The Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2010 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 5, 2010 to replace an Ordinance. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 20, 2010 and the Rajya Sabha on August 25, 2010.

• The Bill amends the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, which was enacted to reconstitute the Medical Council of India (MCI) and maintain a medical register. MCI makes recommendations to the central government on matters related to recognition of medical qualifications, determining the courses of study, inspection of examinations and maintenance of register of medical practitioners, etc.

• In view of issues in the functioning of MCI, the Bill provides for the supersession of MCI and its reconstitution within a period of one year.

• A Board of Governors shall exercise the powers and functions of MCI till the body is reconstituted. The Board shall be notified by the central government. It shall include persons of eminence in fields of medicine and medical education. These members may be nominated or ex-officio to be appointed by the central government.

• Two-thirds of the members shall constitute the quorum for meetings.

• If a member has an interest in any matter to be decided by the Board, he shall declare such interest. The Board of Governors may decide if he can participate in the proceedings.

• The Board shall have the power to grant permission to establish new medical colleges or opening higher course of study or increase admission capacity without prior permission of the central government.

• The Board and MCI on reconstitution shall be bound by the directions given by the central government on matters other than technical and administrative matters.