Electronic Common counselling to be introduced in Medical Colleges: NMC Bill 2016

New Delhi: The 'Electronic Common Counselling' clause for all medical colleges has finally found place in the significant step being taken by the Prime Minister’s office (PMO) in tandem with Niti Aayog and Health Ministry to reform the medical admission process. This comes after the a clause regarding the same has been introduced

The two significant inclusions as reported by Asian Age, in the amended National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill 2016 include:

• Introduction of electronic common counselling to ensure equality and transparency


• Fixing of the 60:40 ratio of paid and free seats in private medical institutions

The new electronic common counselling clause is being introduced to provide greater opportunity to the meritorious in the admission process and also the choice of preferred colleges to those of high rank.

The bill is to be introduced by the government in the forthcoming budget session, revealed sources in the government. Electronic common counselling, is being introduced to do away with individual counselling being practiced by various medical colleges.

Percentage of free seats vary from state to state. It is reported that while Punjab offers none, 75% free seats are offered in Gujarat and 50% in Orissa. A fixed ratio of free seats will lead in helping the economically poor to have access to medical admission in private colleges.

The legislation though ready in August, last year, was withheld from being introduced in the monsoon session by Prime Minister, Narender Modi, for want of stakeholder opinion on the bill.

The provisions included in the bill, in its present shape, are the outcome of the 15,700 suggestions received from the states.

The legislation apart from the above clause has included another important provision, that of inclusion of Doctors in the panel appointed for the selection of regulators, reports The Asian.