Headline
The Supreme Court of India orders the NMC Expert Committee to review MBBS admission for students with mental health conditions.
Summary
The Supreme Court of India ordered the the National Medical Council (NMC) to reevaluate its guidelines on MBBS admissions for students with mental health conditions, following a challenge by an aspirant who were denied reservation under the PwD quota.
Key Facts
- Case Name: Vishal Gupta v. Union of India & Ors., Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1093 of 2022.
- Name of Judges: Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Pankaj Mithal.
- Under the PwD quota a MBBS aspirant having 40% mental health disability on the Indian Disability Evaluation Assessment Scale (IDEAS) was denied admission.
- The Supreme Court of India had earlier asked the National Medical Council (NMC) to form an Expert Committee to reconsider the eligibility criteria for candidates with mental health conditions.
- New guidelines were issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for reviewing disabilities, including mental health,in March 2024.
Legal Insights
The Supreme Court of India’s order for the National Medical Council (NMC) to reassess its recommendations highlights the need for an equitable and updated approach in reviewing disabilities for medical admissions,mainly for mental health conditions.
Impact
This ruling of the Supreme Court could lead to more inclusive admission practices, by making sure that students with mental health conditions receive proper and fair opportunities in medical education.
Why it Matters
It stresses upon the need of adapting medical education policies to accommodate students with mental health conditions, encouraging greater inclusivity in the field.
Source