NMC allows for-profit companies to set up medical colleges under PPP model

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has removed the restriction that only non-profit companies can set up medical colleges, allowing both non-profit and for-profit entities to establish institutions under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Addressing a press conference at Dr NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada, NMC Chairman Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth said a recent board decision deleted the condition restricting medical college establishment to Section 8 companies. PTI reported that the change enables private companies, including for-profit ones, to participate in medical education alongside public institutions.

"Earlier only non-profit Section 8 companies were allowed to set up medical colleges but a recent board meeting has removed this regulation, paving the way for both non-profit, and for-profit companies to set up medical colleges under Public Private Partnership," said Sheth, who met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, in an official press release.

Focus on accessible and modern medical education

According to PTI, Sheth said the commission sees collaboration between public and private entities as a way to improve resource utilisation in medical education. He noted that implementation of the PPP model is currently under the purview of state governments, citing Gujarat as an example of its application.

Sheth further said that hospitals operating under the PPP arrangement will remain under state government control, and patients will continue to receive treatment either free of cost or on a subsidised basis. He added that the NMC has developed its own accreditation system and Standard Operating Procedures to ensure the quality of medical colleges.

He highlighted that NMC is working to make medical education accessible to the public while maintaining standards aligned with international practices. PTI reported that clinical research has been made mandatory, and the commission is integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital healthcare tools, and other emerging technologies into medical education.