• The Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 was promulgated on January 12, 2019. It repeals and replaces the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 promulgated on September 26, 2018.  The Ordinance amends the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 which sets up the Medical Council of India (MCI) which regulates medical education and practice.  Note that the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill 2018 (to replace the 2018 Ordinance) was passed by Lok Sabha on December 31, 2018 and is currently pending in Rajya Sabha.
   
• Supersession of the MCI: The 1956 Act provides for supersession of the MCI and its reconstitution within a period of three years.  The Ordinance amends this provision to provide for the supersession of the MCI for a period of one year.  In the interim period, the central government will constitute a Board of Governors, which will exercise the powers of the MCI. 
   
• The Act provides for the Board of Governors to consist of up to seven members including persons of eminence in medical education, appointed by the central government. The Ordinance amends this provision to increase the strength of the Board from seven members to 12 members.  Further, it allows for persons with proven administrative capacity an experience to be selected in the Board.  The Ordinance provides for the Board of Governors to be assisted by a Secretary General appointed by the central government.

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