Why does the Delhi Health Ministry want to dissolve the medical council?

Delhi Health Ministry has proposed to dissolve the medical council over alleged irregularities. Health Minister Pankaj Singh on Friday said that the proposal seeking dissolution has been sent to Lt Governor V. K. Saxena. 

 

With mounting complaints of corruption and the current leadership term ending, the Directorate General of Health Services will take charge until a new council forms. 

 

The Delhi Medical Council (DMC) is an autonomous body responsible for regulating the practice of medicine in the national capital. Among its many roles, it ensures that ethical standards are maintained by private doctors to safeguard patient safety. 

 

While talking to the reporters, Singh said that there were many allegations against the medical council ranging from mismanagement to corruption. "The tenure of the current president and vice president is about to end. There were also allegations concerning the registration of some doctors," he said. 

 

Under Section 29 of the DMC Act, 1997, officials from the Health Department have sent a proposal to the Lt Governor seeking control over the Delhi Medical Council. 

 

If the dissolution is approved by the LG this would be the first since its inception in 1998. 

 

Reportedly, several letters were sent to the DMC by the health officials to address the irregularities in its functioning. Even the undue extension of the former registrar's tenure was pointed out by the officials. The ministry got involved after no such actions were initiated by the DMC. 

 

Section 29 of the DMC Act, 1997, allows the government to dissolve the council if it believes that its office-bearers have failed to perform their duties or exceeded their powers. It also empowers the government to appoint registered medical practitioners to carry out the council's functions in its place.

 

DMC also handles complaints of medical negligence and professional misconduct in Delhi. The council comprises 25 members. 

 

There are also rumours that the action by the government is "politically motivated" in an attempt to take control of the council. 

Health