NPC Guidelines on Admissions and Quota for Disabled People

May 24, 2023

The National Medical Commission (NMC) is currently developing new guidelines to assess candidates with disabilities in medical courses. These guidelines have been formulated by a 16-member expert panel. However, the recommendations put forward by the panel have garnered mixed reactions.

The Range of Recommendations

The 16-member expert panel has provided a wide range of recommendations within the guidelines. These recommendations span from progressive outlooks to extremely restrictive requirements for different types of disabilities. The panel’s suggestions reflect differing perspectives and approaches toward accommodating candidates with disabilities in the medical field.

Restrictive Requirements for Locomotor Disabilities

One specific area where the guidelines show a restrictive stance is in the case of locomotor disabilities, which pertain to limitations in movement due to issues with bones, joints, or muscles. The panel suggests that students should be allowed to pursue medical education only if they can perform a range of activities and tasks such as sitting, standing, pulling, pushing, kneeling, crouching, lifting, bending, walking, and finger manipulation. This requirement raises concerns about the exclusion of individuals who are dependent on wheelchairs and crutches.

Progressive Outlook for Mental Illnesses

On the other hand, the panel’s recommendations for mental illnesses exhibit a more progressive outlook. Two members from the Psychiatry Department argue that there is no threat to patient safety in allowing candidates with mental illnesses, learning disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder to pursue medical education. They advocate for a screening process based on the candidate’s ability to compete with peers, complete the MBBS program, and fulfill the mandatory internship.

Inclusion and the Benchmark Disability

The panel recommends a broad approach to inclusion, asserting that everyone should be allowed to pursue a medical course. They propose that candidates with disabilities exceeding the 40% benchmark should be eligible to compete for the 5% reserved seats under the quota for persons with disabilities. These recommendations align with disability guidelines followed in countries like the UK.

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