National Dental Commission Bill, 2023 and the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023

July 25, 2023

The Indian government has taken significant strides in the healthcare sector by introducing two crucial Bills in Parliament – the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023, and the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023. These Bills aim to bring about sweeping reforms in the dental and nursing professions, focusing on regulation, education, and practice.

Repealing Outdated Acts

Both Bills aim to repeal outdated Acts that have governed the dental and nursing professions for decades. The Dentists Act, 1948, and the Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947, will be replaced with new regulatory bodies, aligning with the changing dynamics of the healthcare landscape.

Autonomous Regulatory Bodies

In line with the National Medical Commission (NMC), the Bills propose the establishment of autonomous regulatory bodies for dentists and nurses. These bodies will consist of separate boards responsible for undergraduate and postgraduate education, an assessment and rating board, and an ethics and registration board. This segmentation will streamline the functioning of each profession and enhance their efficiency.

Creating Live National Registers

One of the significant provisions in both Bills is the creation of live national registers for medical professionals. These registers will maintain real-time data on the qualifications and credentials of dentists and nurses, automatically synchronizing with the state registers.

Purpose of the Exit Test

The National Dental Commission Bill aims to introduce an exit test for dentists, similar to the National Exit Test for MBBS graduates. This standardized test will assess the competency of dentists upon completion of their education, ensuring their proficiency in delivering quality healthcare services.

Defining the Scope of Practice

The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill has a crucial objective of defining the scope of practice for nurses and midwives. This provision seeks to provide legal backing for specific procedures and medicines within different specialties. By doing so, the Bill aims to establish consistency and unity in the role of nurses across healthcare institutions.

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