Why in News?
The National Medical Commission (NMC) is currently developing new guidelines that will be used to determine whether candidates with disabilities can enroll in medical programs and if they can avail benefit of quotas.
A 16-member expert panel was set up after the Delhi High Court directed the NMC to explore the possibility of candidates with disability pursuing some disciplines (if not all) of medical education.
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National Medical Commission (NMC)
The National Medical Commission (NMC) is currently developing new guidelines to assess candidates with disabilities in medical courses.
These guidelines have been formulated by a 16-member expert panel which was set up after the Delhi High Court directed the National Medical Commission to explore the possibility of candidates with disability pursuing some disciplines (if not all) of medical education.
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About National Medical Commission (NMC):
National Medical Commission (NMC) is a regulatory body which regulates medical education and medical professionals.
In 2020 NMC replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI).
NMC was constituted by an act of Parliament known as the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.
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The Existing Guidelines of NMC:
It says that anyone with more than 40% disability will be eligible for medical course and quota if their disability can be brought below the 40% mark with aids.
Recommendations of the Panel:
It ranges from a :-
“Progressive outlook” for those with mental illness – suggesting that anyone who can complete
all course requirements be allowed to study medicine
To “extremely restrictive” requirements for locomotor disabilities, suggesting wheelchair-bound people or those using two crutches be disqualified.
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Inclusive Recommendations:
The panel recommended that everyone should be allowed to pursue a medical course, and those with a disability of more than
40% be allowed to compete for the 5% seats under the quota for persons with disabilities.
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When it comes to locomotor disabilities – disability of bones, joints or muscles that restrict the movement of limbs –
the committee suggested that students will be allowed if they are able to perform activities.
These recommendations are in line with disability guidelines that are followed in countries such as the UK.
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NPC Guidelines on Admissions and Quota for Disabled People,NPC Guidelines on Admissions and Quota for Disabled People
