The National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced the “Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023,” commonly referred to as PGMER-23. These regulations aim to shape competent specialists and medical teachers, aligning with the evolving needs of the healthcare system. The regulations were published on January 1, 2024.
The PGMER-23 outlines a comprehensive framework for post-graduate medical education. The regulations emphasize the development of scholars who recognize community health needs, uphold ethical professional obligations, and master competencies required for healthcare delivery at secondary and tertiary levels.
Key Objectives of Post-Graduate Medical Education:
- Recognition of community health needs and ethical professional obligations.
- Mastery of competencies in the respective specialty for secondary and tertiary healthcare.
- Awareness of contemporary advancements in the field.
- Spirit of scientific inquiry, research methodology, and epidemiology orientation.
- Basic skills in teaching medical and paramedical professionals.
- Basic management skills in human resources, materials, and resource management related to healthcare.
- Development of personal characteristics and attitudes for professional life.
- Exemplary citizenship by observing the highest standards of professional ethics.
The institutions imparting post-graduate medical education are urged to align their goals with national objectives, producing well-trained professionals with high knowledge, appropriate skills, and impeccable ethical standards.
List of Qualifications and Duration of Courses: The regulations provide a detailed list of qualifications and the duration of post-graduate medical courses, including broad-specialty qualifications, super-specialty courses, diploma courses, Post-Doctoral Certificate Courses (PDCC), Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) Courses, and D.M./M.Ch.
Establishment of Post-Graduate Medical Institutions: The regulations stipulate that no medical institution can commence any post-graduate course without permission from the NMC or designated Boards. The Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023, will be employed to monitor and assess the standards of medical education. Medical institutions will be required to pay an annual fee for evaluation and affiliation purposes.
Minimum Standards of Requirements (MSR): Medical institutions must adhere to conditions detailed in the PGMSR-2023 document, covering physical infrastructure, teaching staff, clinical material, and hospital facilities. The PGMEB will notify modifications or amendments to the MSR periodically, which medical colleges/institutions must mandatorily follow.
The implementation of PGMER-23 is expected to elevate the standards of post-graduate medical education in India, fostering a generation of professionals equipped to address the dynamic healthcare landscape.
