Medical Council of India reconstituted

NEW DELHI: Over three years after the board of governors took over the running of the Medical Council of India (MCI), the Union health ministry has appointed 68 new members to restore the council's autonomy. The MCI was disbanded in 2010 after its president was arrested by the CBI for accepting a bribe to grant recognition to a private college.

As per provisions contained in section 3AA of the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) second ordinance, 2013, the powers and functions of the board of governors (BoG) of MCI stand withdrawn and the BoG of MCI dissolved with immediate effect.

New members include representatives from the central government, universities, and registered medical graduates.

The government had earlier superseded the MCI by issuing an ordinance in May 2010. Since then the health ministry has been seeking extension of the tenure of BoG governing MCI. This year the ministry sought promulgation of the ordinance for the fourth time.

Health ministry officials said elections for the office-bearers would be held soon. The new president and vice-president will hold office for not more than two years. The other members whether nominated or elected shall hold office for a term of four years only.