Urges compliance with regulations
Kohima, May 24 (MExN): The Nagaland Medical Council (NMC) has reaffirmed its commitment to serving society with the utmost respect for the medical profession and citizens’ dignity while promoting Continued Medical Education (CME) and ethical practices among allopathic medical practitioners.
In adherence to guidelines set by the National Medical Commission/MCI (Medical Council of India), the NMC meticulously verifies relevant documents before issuing registration certificates to all allopathic (MBBS) doctors and regulates CME activities, awarding credit hours/points in line with established norms, it said.
Furthermore, to promote and safeguard ethical and safe practices, the NMC outlined several conditions to promote safe and ethical medical practices.
Among others, it noted that all MBBS doctors intending to work and practice in Nagaland, both in government and private sector, must be registered with the Council as mandated in the ‘Nagaland Medical Council Act 2014.’
Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) are also given registration only after clearing the NMC/MCI exam for FMGs, it stated.
Moreover, all health centre (hospitals, nursing homes, clinics) must be registered with the Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW) under the NHCE Act, 1997 (Nagaland Health Care Establishment Act, 1997) to operate legally.
The NMC also emphasised that it will be illegal to treat patients at those centres registered only with a pharmacy license or any other trade license.
The Council also informed that all health centres, including dental & AYUSH Clinics, and Clinical laboratories, come under the NHCE Act, 1997, and pharmacy licensing falls under the Drug Control under DoHFW.
Further, the NMC reiterated that it is wrong and unethical for any in-service doctor in government service, after availing (and opting) for Non-Practising Allowance (NPA), to indulge in private practice as it violates Government Service Rules.
Despite being a longstanding concern, no concrete actions have been taken despite an investigation report by the Vigilance Department and subsequent directives from the Medical Department, it added.
Highlighting clause 8.1.C of the NHCE Act, 1997, the NMC also underscored that no government doctors can own clinics or work in private hospitals, allowing only for consultation in a home-based office room.
Accordingly, the council requested various associations to educate their members and disseminate correct information to prevent a few erring members from tarnishing the image of the entire fraternity.
The NMC further expressed concern over allopathic doctors from outside coming to Nagaland to practice without proper verification and registration for health camps or as visiting consultants.
It also flagged institutions engaging FMGs before they clear the MCI/NMC mandated exam, pharmacies operating without qualified pharmacists, or engaging government doctors, and the mushrooming of unregistered health centres promoting quackery under the guise of alternative medicines.
In this connection, the NMC highlighted the urgent need to strengthen the NHCE authority and activate its ‘District Inspection Team,’ comprising members from the district administration and the district health authority, to strictly monitor and implement the NHCE Act, 1997, on a yearly time-bound manner.
Regarding any other complaints pertaining to alleged professional misconduct, the matter may be addressed to the appropriate authority, it added.
The NMC further affirmed its continued support and commitment to ethical and safe medical practices in Nagaland.
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