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Turning points for Health care in 2016.

2016 was indeed an eventful year for the health care industry. The year saw some major developments, both at the level of policies as well as legislature, all having long term implications for medical practitioners. Here are some important developments that impacted the health care industry in 2016

1. NEET. In May 2016, the Supreme Court came up with a judgement calling for one common entrance exam as a sole entry for medical and dental courses in the country. Taking cue from the court, the government also extended its ambit to PG and super-specialty courses in medicine and dentistry


2. National Medical Commission. to be the apex policy making body for regulating medical education in the country, which through the functioning of its four constituents boards will regulate the medical sector

3. Oversight Committee on the Medical Council of India
Vexed with alleged corruption in the MCI, supreme court decided to appoint  three member oversight committee to monitor the activities of MCI . As stated by the court The said Committee will have the authority to oversee all statutory functions under the MCI Act. All policy decisions of the MCI will require approval of the Oversight Committee. The Committee will be free to issue appropriate remedial directions. The Committee will function till the Central Government puts in place any other appropriate mechanism after due consideration of the Expert Committee Report.

4. 7th PAY Commission 
The medical practitioners associated with the government were highly disappointed when the 7th pay commission recommended the percentage of HRA reduced from 25% (6th pay commission) to 20% of basic salary.

5. Increase in Retirement Age of Doctor. Facing the immense shortage of doctors in the country, especially of qualified specialists, in the month of May 2016, PM Modi announnced, ““Be it at Central level or state level, now retirement age of doctors will be increased to 65.” Soon the government came out with the notification of enhancing the age of superannuation of the specialists of non-teaching and public health sub-cadres of Central Health Service and general duty medical officers of CHS to 65 years with immediate effect

6. Call for Legible/ Generic Prescriptions. MCI  amended the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) (Amendment) Regulations, 2016 to insert, ” “Every physician should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters and he/she shall ensure that there is a rational prescription and use of drugs”.

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