Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has asked the board of governors of the Medical Council of India (MCI) to be absolutely transparent, and fair and free in their decisions.
In a letter addressed to S.K. Sarin, the chairperson of the board, the Minister assured the MCI of all help from the Ministry and said that instructions had been issued to officials not to interfere in the functioning of the MCI.
Mr. Azad drew the attention of the board to touts, being used by the managements of some institutions to get clearance for the colleges by illegal means. He said these touts collect money from interested institutions in the name of the government, office-bearers and MCI members, thereby bringing a bad name to everyone.
“As such, I would like you to caution the members of the newly constituted board of governors that they have to be vigilant and keep their eyes open since their every step is being watched by the entire country with high expectations,” the letter said.
Recalling the circumstances under which the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2010, was promulgated on May 15, the Minister said after due deliberations, the Central government appointed the board of governors to exercise the powers and perform the functions of the Council. The selection of members was done keeping in view eminence, integrity and their standing in the field of medicine.
“The above ordinance has given additional responsibility to the board of governors to grant permission for establishment of new medical colleges, opening the new or higher course of study and increase in admission capacity in any course of study referred to in Section 10 (A) in the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.”
The general council of the MCI was superseded on May 15, when the Centre promulgated the ordinance following the arrest of the MCI president Ketan Desai by the Central Bureau of Investigation on charges of corruption.
