New Delhi: In a landmark move ensuring broader regional representation, seven Northeastern states have clinched significant positions within the National Medical Commission (NMC) and its allied autonomous boards. The selections, made through a transparent lottery-based process presided over by Union Health Minister J P Nadda on July 15, mark a crucial step in the implementation of the National Medical Commission Act 2019. These appointments, for a two-year term, see Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh gaining a stronger voice in national medical governance.
Dr. Dibakar Chandra Deka from Mizoram and Professor P.S. Shukla from Meghalaya have been named part-time members of the NMC, representing their state government nominees. Their selection builds upon their earlier appointments to the Medical Advisory Council in 2022. Concurrently, Dr. George Thira of Nagaland, Dr. Kanak Choudhury of Tripura, Dr. Anup Kumar Barman of Assam, and Dr. Simpson Sareo of Manipur, all representatives from their respective state medical councils, have also secured roles as part-time NMC members, further solidifying the region’s presence.
Arunachal Pradesh has made a notable entry with Dr. Jego Ori’s selection to the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board, one of the four crucial autonomous bodies under the NMC tasked with shaping medical education standards nationwide. The expanded Northeastern footprint also extends to the Search Committee, where Dr. Sandeep Dogra from the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council was chosen as an expert member. The lottery system, conducted in the presence of media personnel, underscored the government’s commitment to impartiality, eliminating any potential bias and offering a level playing field for all eligible candidates from states and Union Territories.
Beyond the Northeastern contingent, the selection process also saw the appointment of representatives from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chandigarh, and Madhya Pradesh to various NMC bodies. These strategic appointments are set to fill vital roles across the Medical Assessment and Rating Board, Ethics and Medical Registration Board, and Post-Graduate Medical Education Board, all of which are instrumental in overseeing medical education benchmarks and professional conduct across India. The entire selection process was meticulously overseen by Secretary Nivedita Shukla Verma and Additional Secretary Dr. Vinod Kotwal from the Union Health Ministry, reiterating the government’s steadfast commitment to fostering inclusive representation in the nation’s medical administration.
Read More: Renowned Sikkimese Mountaineer Ashal Rai Dies During Nun Kun Expedition