Context:
Union Health Minister launches National Medical Register (NMR) Portal
National Medical Register (NMR):
- A comprehensive database for all allopathic (MBBS) registered doctors in India
- Mandated under – Section 31 of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019.
- Purpose – To maintain an electronic register containing the names, addresses, and recognized qualifications of licensed medical practitioners in India
- NMR links with the Aadhaar ID of doctors to ensure authenticity.
- Facilitates interlinking of State Medical Councils (SMCs) for verification of registrations.
- Significance –
- Strengthens the digital healthcare ecosystem.
- Ensures transparent access to quality medical professionals.
- Consolidates public trust in healthcare services.
National Medical Commission (NMC):
- Replaced the Medical Council of India in 2020.
- Objectives –
- Improve access to quality and affordable medical education.
- Ensure availability of adequate and high-quality medical professionals.
- Objectively assess medical institutions transparently.
- Functions –
- Policy formulation and regulation of medical education, institutions, research, and professionals.
- Guideline framing for fee determination (50% seats in private medical institutions and deemed universities).
- Assessing healthcare requirements and developing a roadmap to meet them.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
To obtain the full benefits of demographic dividend, what should India do?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2013 Prelims]
(a) Promoting skill development
(b) Introducing more social security schemes
(c) Reducing infant mortality rate
(d) Privatisation of higher education
Answer: (a)
