Leadership crisis at national Medical Commission
India’s apex medical education regulator, the National Medical Commission (NMC), is facing a critical leadership crisis, with key regulatory boards witnessing widespread vacancies that experts fear could jeopardise the quality and governance of medical education across the country.
Currently, all five positions in the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) remain unfilled, while the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) has only its president, Dr Vijay Oza, in place, with all other posts vacant. Similar gaps exist in the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) and the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB).
The UGMEB, which is tasked with determining education standards, developing competency-based curricula, granting recognition to medical qualifications, and setting institutional guidelines, is completely non-functional due to the absence of appointed members.
Of the 33 total member posts under the NMC, more than half remain vacant, raising concerns about the regulator’s ability to carry out its mandate effectively.
Dr Sajal Bansal, Chief Advisor of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and Chief Coordinator of the FAIMA–Review Medical System (RMS) survey, expressed alarm at the situation. “It is quite surprising that in the largest regulatory body of Indian medical education, almost all positions in the UG and PG boards are vacant,” said Dr Bansal. “The recent FAIMA-RMS survey has already highlighted several gaps in the Indian medical education system. Medical professionals across the nation have high expectations from the NMC regarding academics, infrastructure and availability of essential medicines. These vacant positions should be filled by the government without delay.”
The leadership vacuum comes amid growing scrutiny of the country’s medical education infrastructure and regulatory mechanisms. The boards under the NMC are responsible for curriculum development, faculty training, infrastructure oversight, research promotion and recognition of medical qualifications — all crucial for producing a competent healthcare workforce.
Experts warn the prolonged absence of board members may lead to delays in critical decisions, weakened regulatory oversight and setbacks in institutional accreditation.
“The National Medical Commission plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s medical education framework. The vacancies in its core boards weaken regulatory oversight and delay vital policy decisions,” said Dr Akshay Dongardive, national president of FAIMA.
“We demand that the authorities prioritise these appointments to restore effective functioning, ensure transparency and strengthen public trust in medical education governance,” he added.
When contacted, NMC Chairman Dr Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth acknowledged the issue, saying, “Matter pertains at the Government level.”
He added, “It is being ensured that all functions of the Boards are carried out smoothly by the existing appointees and officers of the Commission.” Medical professionals and stakeholders, however, remain unconvinced. With systemic issues such as poor infrastructure, overburdened residents and a toxic work environment already plaguing many institutions — as flagged by FAIMA’s survey — experts fear the leadership vacuum at NMC may further erode the quality and credibility of India’s medical education system.
Delhi