Patients’ right to appeal against medical councils: Centre dragging its feet over amendment to NMC Act

The Union government has been slow to act on a proposal to amend the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, to allow patients to file complaints against State Medical Councils (SMCs) for medical negligence or professional misconduct. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated in an RTI reply that the amendment is still “under consideration”. Despite a public notice seeking suggestions on the amendment in December 2022, progress has been stalled since officials agreed to allow patients to appeal decisions of SMCs in May 2023. Currently, only medical professionals have the right to appeal SMC decisions, leaving patients without recourse. Dr. Babu expressed frustration at the delay in granting patients the right to appeal.