N※N

NMC Staffing Shortage Sparks Concerns in India

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. -staffing-shortage-sparks-concerns-in-india.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 3:55 GMT by Daily
      Locales: N/A, INDIA

New Delhi, Friday, February 13th, 2026 - A significant staffing shortage at the National Medical Commission (NMC), India's apex regulatory body for medical education and practice, is raising concerns among healthcare professionals and parliamentarians. Health Minister Dr. Anya Sharma revealed on Thursday that 19 out of 54 sanctioned posts within the NMC remain unfilled, representing over 35% vacancy rate. The revelation, made in a written reply to a parliamentary question, has prompted calls for urgent action to address the issue and ensure the effective functioning of the commission.

The NMC, established in September 2020, replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI) with the mandate to modernize medical education, improve quality control, and regulate medical practice across the country. Its remit includes setting standards for medical colleges, undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, and the ethical conduct of medical practitioners. A fully staffed NMC is crucial for timely approvals of new medical colleges, assessing existing infrastructure, and implementing critical reforms aimed at addressing the shortage of doctors in India.

This isn't a new issue. While Dr. Sharma assured Parliament that the government is "taking steps" to fill the vacant positions, critics point to a persistent pattern of understaffing that has hampered the NMC's effectiveness since its inception. Sources within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare indicate that recruitment has been slowed by a complex web of bureaucratic hurdles, budgetary constraints, and competition from the private sector which often offers more lucrative compensation packages.

"The NMC is tasked with overseeing a vast and complex system of medical education. With nearly one-third of its positions vacant, it's simply not equipped to handle the volume of work effectively," stated Dr. Rajan Kapoor, President of the All India Medical Association (AIMA). "This impacts everything from timely accreditation of medical colleges to ensuring adherence to quality standards and addressing complaints against erring practitioners. A lack of manpower means that crucial processes are delayed, and oversight is compromised."

The vacant posts span various departments within the NMC, including those responsible for undergraduate and postgraduate education, ethics, and medical assessment. The shortage of assessment officers, in particular, is a growing concern, leading to backlogs in the inspection of medical colleges and potentially impacting the availability of new medical seats. Reports suggest that a significant number of applications for establishing new medical colleges are currently awaiting assessment due to insufficient staff.

The timing of this revelation comes as India grapples with ongoing challenges in healthcare delivery, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for a robust and responsive regulatory framework for medical education has never been greater. Experts argue that a well-staffed NMC is essential for achieving the government's goal of increasing the number of doctors and improving access to quality healthcare for all citizens.

Parliamentarians are now demanding greater transparency and accountability regarding the recruitment process. Several members have called for a detailed audit of the NMC's staffing needs and a clear timeline for filling the vacant positions. Opposition parties are also questioning the government's commitment to strengthening the NMC, accusing it of prioritizing cost-cutting over quality control.

Dr. Sharma, in her response, emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the issue. She stated that a new recruitment drive is being launched and that efforts are underway to streamline the selection process. However, she did not provide a specific timeframe for filling the vacant posts.

Industry analysts suggest that the government needs to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract qualified professionals to the NMC. Moreover, simplifying the recruitment process and reducing bureaucratic delays are crucial steps towards ensuring that the commission is adequately staffed to fulfill its vital role in shaping the future of medical education in India. The long-term implications of the current staffing shortfall are significant, potentially impacting the quality of medical education and ultimately affecting the health and well-being of millions of Indians.