NMC withdraws notice on discontinuation of CPS Mumbai medical courses

NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has withdrawn its recent public notice that announced the discontinuation of all medical courses offered by the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPS) Mumbai. The confirmation was announced in a recent official notification issued by B Srinivas, NMC Secretary, who addressed the directors, principals, deans, and Heads of Departments (HoDs) at all NMC-affiliated medical colleges and institutions, referencing the order issued by the Bombay High Court.

The NMC notice read, "In compliance of Hon’ble High Court of Judicature at Bombay Order dated 22.08.2024, the letter of even number dated 22-08-2024 and the public notice of even number dtd. 16.08.2024 (copies enclosed) w.r.t. 'Discontinuation of all the courses running under the umbrella of College of Physicians & Surgeons (CPS), Mumbai –reg' stands withdrawn.''

CPS is classified as a medical institution under the former IMC Act of 1956 and Section 2(i) of the NMC Act 2019. It was established as an "examining body" by the Indian Government in 1912, according to an official order.

NMC's previous notice on discontinuation of CPS courses

Earlier this month, NMC officially discontinued all CPS Mumbai courses nationwide. The previous NMC notice highlighted that, in response to a show cause notice for failing to comply with regulatory provisions set by the former Medical Council of India (MCI), now NMC, the institute claimed to operate as an exam body similar to the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBE), with the authority to confer medical qualifications.

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NMC clarifies CPS's lack of authority compared to NBE

The NMC found the statement misleading, clarifying that while the NBE is a government entity established under the NMC Act 2019, the CPS is a non-government organization without the authority to approve or recognize medical courses, conduct exams, or award degrees.

NMC cites UGC Act for degree conferral authority

Referring to an UGC Act, the NMC in its previous notice stated, "As per Section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956, the right of conferring or granting degrees can be done by a Universityestablished or incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act or a State Act or an institution deemed to be a University under Section 3 or an institution specially empowered by an Act of Parliament to confer or grant degrees. Thus, degrees can only be issued by a University or any statutory body empowered by an Act of Parliament."

The NMC earlier announced that all stakeholders, including medical institutions and hospitals offering CPS courses, as well as students applying for these courses, should be aware of the PGMEB, NMC's decision. "additional qualifications will not be recognized for registration if any admission take place after issuance of this public notice," read the previous notice.

CPS president's reaction to NMC decision

Ajay D Sambre, president, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Mumbai, said, “CPS welcomes this decision by NMC and with this decision, all negative remarks and speculations will stop.” He Further added, “With this order, not only CPS but the entire alumni of CPS and the future students have received justice.”