NMC Regulations 2023 Provide Comprehensive Framework
New Delhi: The establishment of new medical colleges in India is governed by the Existing Courses and Assessment and Rating Regulations, 2023 framed by the National Medical Commission. Union Minister of State for Health Smt Anupriya Patel informed Parliament that only entities specified under these rules are eligible to apply for setting up medical institutions.
Replying to questions in the Lok Sabha on “Foreign Participation in Medical Education,” the Minister explained that the 2023 regulations provide a detailed and structured framework. The rules outline eligible categories of applicants, prescribed eligibility criteria, required documentation, assessment and rating procedures, and penalties for non-compliance.
Clarification on Foreign Participation
The clarification came in response to queries regarding whether the government has permitted or plans to permit foreign companies or foreign institutions to establish or operate medical colleges and associated hospitals in India. The Minister indicated that any such participation must strictly adhere to the regulatory structure defined under Indian law.
Concerns were also raised about the potential impact of foreign-managed institutions on medical education standards and healthcare costs, particularly treatment fees in attached hospitals. The government emphasized that safeguards are embedded within the regulatory system to maintain standards and accountability.
Who Can Apply to Establish Medical Colleges?
As per the NMC Regulations 2023, eligible entities include the Central Government, State Government(s) individually or in partnership, and Union Territories. Additionally, universities duly established in India are permitted to apply under the defined norms.
Autonomous bodies promoted by the Central or State Governments under a statute, provided they have no conflict of objectives, are also eligible. Further, societies registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or relevant State laws may apply, subject to fulfilling prescribed conditions.
Regulation of Hospital Charges and Healthcare Costs
Addressing concerns over hospital charges, the Minister highlighted that under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, “Health” is a State subject. Therefore, State and Union Territory governments are responsible for monitoring excessive charges levied by private hospitals and taking corrective action when necessary.
At the national level, the Government of India has enacted the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 to regulate clinical establishments. States and UTs that have adopted this Act are primarily responsible for regulating hospitals, including private institutions, to ensure affordable and quality healthcare services for patients.
