New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all medical colleges and institutions under its jurisdiction to establish an enabling unit for students with benchmark disabilities (PwBD), in line with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. The circular, issued on Monday, aims to strengthen inclusive medical education by ensuring reasonable accommodation, academic support, and an accessible learning environment for students with disabilities.
Enabling Unit to Serve as Single Point of Contact
According to the circular, every medical college must establish an Enabling Unit that will function as the single point of contact for students with benchmark disabilities throughout their academic journey.
The unit will be responsible for facilitating reasonable accommodation and academic and clinical support measures and ensuring barrier-free access within the institution. It will also receive and address requests related to disability-specific accommodations during classroom teaching, clinical training, and internships.
Information Must Be Shared With Students
Medical colleges have been instructed to inform all students about the Enabling Unit during the admission process. Details regarding the unit's role, responsibilities, and contact information must also be displayed prominently on the institution's official website and notice boards.
Coordination With Disability Assessment Boards
The Enabling Unit will coordinate with the designated Disability Assessment Board, faculty members, hospital administration, and other relevant authorities to ensure timely implementation of reasonable accommodations in accordance with the RPwD Act, 2016, and guidelines issued by the NMC.
Additionally, institutions have been directed to maintain records of accommodation requests and support provided while ensuring confidentiality and protecting students from discrimination.
NMC Stresses Inclusive Learning Environment
The commission has directed all medical colleges to ensure that the Enabling Unit is fully operational, well-publicised, and easily accessible to students with benchmark disabilities. The move is intended to promote an inclusive educational environment while adhering to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 and Supreme Court guidelines.
NMC issues Basic Guidelines for PwBD Candidates
The guidelines apply to candidates seeking MBBS admission under the PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) quota. Candidates must have at least 40% benchmark disability to claim reservation under the PwBD category.
A valid Permanent UDID (Unique Disability Identity) Card is mandatory while applying as per the official notice. Disability alone will not decide eligibility. Candidates will be assessed based on their functional abilities and whether they can complete the MBBS course.
Functional Assessment By Medical Assessment Board
The Medical Assessment Board will evaluate whether a candidate possesses the essential competencies required under the MBBS curriculum. The assessment will focus on various factors, including:
Functional abilities of the candidate
Assistive devices or technologies being used
Reasonable accommodation required to support the candidate
Patient safety considerations
Candidates will also be required to submit a self-certified affidavit declaring their functional abilities along with the necessary supporting documents.
Eligibility Certificate To Replace Disability-Based Decision
The Medical Assessment Board may ask candidates to undergo additional medical or functional assessments, if required.
After evaluation, candidates will receive an Eligibility Certificate instead of only a disability certificate. The certificate will classify candidates under three categories:
Eligible
Eligible with Reasonable Accommodation
Ineligible (with written reasons)
NMC has clarified that no candidate can be declared ineligible solely based on the type or percentage of disability. The board must provide clear reasons based on functional assessment while making its decision.
Appeal Process For Dissatisfied Candidates
Candidates who are not satisfied with the decision of the Medical Assessment Board can appeal before the Appellate Authority constituted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The appeal mechanism will provide candidates an opportunity to seek a review of assessment decisions related to MBBS admission eligibility.
Medical Colleges Must Ensure Inclusive Environment
Medical colleges have been directed to provide reasonable accommodation, barrier-free access, and an inclusive learning environment for PwBD students.
Every medical college must appoint a Nodal Officer or establish an Enabling Unit to assist PwBD students and address disability-related concerns during their academic journey.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism Mandatory
Colleges and counselling authorities must maintain a grievance redressal mechanism to address complaints related to disability assessment, discrimination, or denial of reasonable accommodation.
The move is aimed at strengthening accessibility and ensuring equal opportunities for students with benchmark disabilities pursuing medical education.
