NNMC BILL 2023 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 - Health)

Context: The Parliament has passed the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) Bill, 2023. 

• The Act will replace the existing Indian Nursing Council with a modern regulatory structure, marking a significant legislative reform in the sector.
• The NNMC Act, 2023, will introduce several crucial provisions to elevate the standards of nursing education and services, enhance professional conduct, and ensure greater transparency and accountability.

Key highlights of the proposed Act

• Establishment of National and State Commissions: Under the NNMC Act, a National Nursing and Midwifery Commission and Autonomous Boards at the National level will be established. 
• Tenure and Accountability: One of the pivotal reforms introduced by the Act will be the provision of fixed tenures for members and the chairperson of the Commission, eliminating reappointment and preventing vested interests.
• Uniform Admission Process and Competence: The National Commission will implement a standardized admission process to ensure consistency across nursing education.
• Embracing Innovation and Collaboration: The NNMC Act will encourage the use of cutting-edge technology and innovation in nursing education.
• Development of Soft Skills and Specialized Courses: The Act will emphasize on the development of soft skills among registered professionals and recognizes specialized courses and certification programs in nursing and midwifery. 
• Global Mobility and Expertise: The NNMC Act will seek to facilitate global mobility and employability of Indian nurses by inviting foreign experts and domain specialists to participate in the National Commission meetings.
• National Advisory Council and Coordination: The Act will provide for the formation of a National Advisory Council to ensure balanced representation from all states and Union Territories.