Question : Re-Registration Norms for Medical Practitioners

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes re-registration norms for medical practitioners after some years to check their professional skill, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(b) the steps taken by the Government, as on date, in coordination with State Governments for re-registration of medical practitioners after every five years to enhance professional skills of medical practitioners;

(c) the number of medical practitioners registered with Medical Council of India or State Medical Councils who have not submitted information within the stipulated time about their participation in professional meetings as a part of Continuing Medical Education (CME) during the last three years, State-wise and year-wise and the action taken against them;

(d) whether the Government has conducted any study in this regard, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the details of action taken by the Government to punish medical practitioners involved in illegal trading of human organs and unethical clinical trials in the country?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

(a) & (b): As on date, the Indian Medical Council Act (IMC) Act, 1956, does not provide for re-registration of doctors. Medical Council of India (MCI), with the previous approval of the Central Government, has notified Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, which, inter-alia, prescribe that a Physician should participate in professional meetings as a part of Continuing Medical Education (CME). In order to enhance professional skills and to update their medical knowledge, such CMEs must be attended by medical practitioners for at least 30 hours every 5 years, organised by reputed professional academic bodies or any other authorised organisations.

(c): No such data is maintained centrally.





(d): No.


(e): MCI or the appropriate State Medical Councils have been empowered to take disciplinary action against a doctor for violation of the provisions of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002. As and when complaints are received against the violation of code of ethics for doctors, such complaints are referred by MCI to the concerned State Medical Councils where the doctors/medical practitioners are registered. The MCI is an Appellate Authority. Further, there is a provision for inspection of clinical trial sites, sponsors including their subsidiaries etc. under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. As informed by the Drugs Controller General (India) that various irregularities were observed during such monitoring inspections during the period 2013-16 and after review of the replies received from the investigators, 12 investigators have been debarred from the conduct of future clinical trials for a period ranging between 3 months to 1 year duration.