Medical Ethics: Scope And Framework Of National Medical Council
- IJLLR Journal
- Jan 5
- 1 min read
Yuvaraj. D, LLM, The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University
ABSTRACT
The foundation of responsible and compassionate healthcare delivery is medical ethics. From historic codes of behavior to contemporary regulatory frameworks, ethical governance in medicine has undergone tremendous change in India. The replacement of the Medical Council of India (MCI) by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in 2020 symbolizes a transformative step in strengthening ethical governance, promoting accountability, and improving the overall standards of medical practice. The intellectual underpinnings, development, and practical application of medical ethics under the NMC's regulatory framework are examined in this paper. It looks at how the NMC's guidelines for professional behavior, patient rights, permission, confidentiality, clinical research, and medical education combine the fundamental ethical concepts of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
A clear structure for licensure, registration, and disciplinary action is established under the NMC's framework, especially through the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB). The report emphasizes how the NMC's procedures for handling complaints, evaluation criteria, and accountability measures are a major advancement over the previous MCI system. It also highlights enduring issues, such as gaps in ethics education, commercialization, and moral conundrums in digital healthcare.
Overall, the study shows that the NMC's ethical framework seeks to advance professional integrity, safeguard patient welfare, and update medical regulation. However, achieving these goals in practice will require ongoing improvements, stricter enforcement, and thorough medical ethics training.
Keywords: Medical Ethics, National Medical Commission (NMC), Professional Conduct, Patient Rights, Ethical Regulation
