NMC Draft Amendments 2026: Ease Medical College Setup for Trusts/Societies, Tighten PG Standards, Propose Single-State AFMS Licence

NMC Proposes UID for Doctors: Single Licence Valid Across India Under Draft 2026 Regulations

The NMC has proposed a system where doctors registered with a State Medical Council and allotted a UID in the National Medical Register can practise across India without separate state licences. This reform aims to reduce regulatory barriers for medical professionals and enhance transparency through a unified digital portal.

NEET-PG Threshold Cut to 0 Percentile, NMC Flags 100+ Medical Colleges Over Quality Concerns

India's rapid expansion of medical education—doubling medical colleges and lowering NEET-PG thresholds to zero percentile—is compromising training quality and endangering patient safety. The NMC has flagged over 100 colleges for deficiencies, but deeper issues like faculty shortages and inadequate patient volume persist.

Delhi HC Upholds NMC Rule Barring Foreign Medical Grads with Multi-College Degrees from FMGE

The Delhi High Court has upheld the National Medical Commission's decision to bar Indian students who obtained medical degrees after studying across multiple foreign institutions from appearing in the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). The court ruled that such 'fragmented education' compromises medical quality and is not in public interest, reinforcing the need for embassy attestation of foreign degrees.

Allahabad HC Upholds Mandatory Govt Service Bond for Subsidised PG Medical Education

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that doctors who pursue subsidised PG medical education cannot evade the mandatory two-year government service bond, even if there is administrative delay in providing posting. The court held that the bond ensures availability of doctors in government hospitals and protects patients' right to life under Article 21.

India's 16th Census Self-Enumeration Phase Begins: 100% Digital, Window Aug 1-15

The self-enumeration phase of India's 16th Census has started in West Bengal, marking the first fully digital census. Citizens can upload their details online from Aug 1-15, followed by house-listing from Aug 16 to Sep 14. The data is legally protected and used only for planning and statistics.

Himachal Pradesh to Launch ₹10 Lakh Health Insurance Scheme for Poor Families – First State to Offer Comprehensive Coverage

Himachal Pradesh is set to launch a new health insurance scheme offering up to ₹10 lakh coverage for poor families at a nominal premium, becoming the first state to do so. This aims to ensure quality healthcare access and reduce the need for residents to travel outside the state for advanced treatment.

India's Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate Drops to 55.8% in NFHS-6, Reversing NFHS-5 Gains

India's exclusive breastfeeding rate for infants under six months has declined to 55.8% in NFHS-6 (2023-24), reversing the gains from NFHS-5 (63.7%). The decline varies by state, with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh seeing the steepest drops. The article explores potential causes: reduced postnatal support, rising C-section rates (27.2%), and women's return to work. This is a key data point for UPSC prelims and a case study for mains on maternal and child health policy.

Maharashtra Mandates Safe Food Norms in Schools; Bans HFSS Items, Covers All Boards

Maharashtra has issued a statewide compliance order to ensure safe, balanced food in all schools, banning HFSS items (junk food) within premises and a 50-metre zone. The move targets childhood obesity and micronutrient deficiencies, making it a key governance and public health initiative for exam aspirants.