Reforms in MCI

Reforms in MCI​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 17th Dec. 2017

A slew of bills and policy measures seems to be on the discussions agenda. Some like the crucial Medical Council reforms being relegated to back pages by the newspaper and not seemed to have been picked up by the channels as of yet for debate. This is even when these are likely to have a bearing on ordinary publics. The basic ‘issue’ regards MCI was the body presided over the Education of Medical professionals as well as guided their ‘conduct’ including ‘audit’ wherever was required. For most part it choked the supply of professionals and stood staunchly in defence of its members, rather than prescribing standard procedures, lay down best practices for its members and ensuring that these are followed. It had some contribution like bringing out some issues regards corporatization, but here it proved to be a toothless tiger and seemed happy with the epithet rather taking some stand that could have helped the situation for the population as well as its members. The Council may have had some contribution regards continuing education and seepage of critical new information and new emerging practices amongst its members wherein its contribution to help its member professionals could have had some appreciation, however their impact to welfare of general public was either low or not well publicized. The h’onable politicos would spend time sparing over who went wrong in sermonizing during elections rather than look at these aspects of governance and policy in the legislature.

While a new structure is being put in place, however it is not sure if its objectives are being clearly articulated or if it is not a handiwork of some lobbying in an area of high public importance. For example, how does the new structure help in improving the supply-side crunch of quality medical care at lower cost in small cities and backward areas. The population here is supposed to suffer twin cost of first going to large cities and then get fleeced by the growing menace of expensive (corporate) hospitals. It is also not clear if the quality standards of the education would be maintained while ensuring a healthy rise in ‘seats’ for the medical students and bring the overall cost of this education down. It is also to be noted that while the government gives subsidy to industry sectors in distress, but the healthcare sector in small towns and backward district which has always been in distress on account of supply side crunch has never got any subsidy whatsoever and neither the Council or its new avatar being argued now, has made any suggestions to be looking into these aspect. A view on the overall growth of the sector to be able to meet the challenges of the country with its high low income population needs to come out. Then there can be secondary areas like potential to train others in the low cost training institutions or to be able to effectively cater to others in the low cost service institutions thus created.

The reforms are important and need to be discussed on account not only for the sector itself but also because there are several other sectors facing similar bottlenecks. These can be other well publicized like Pilots and aviation sector, Marine and Waterways sector, Adventure sports and sports sector (with its total lack of any institutional mechanisms for nurturing domestic talent and professionals), Culture and Arts amongst others. The results has been disastrous such that even pure commercial activities like how to harness rail, waterways or road logistics sectors for efficient commercial activities is not even argued about in public since no professional body is available to percolate the best practices even though an area of importance for nearly all ‘businesses’ big or small. Nearly in all these areas, a small group or cabal of entities seem to dominate with the population not having any access to nurturing their inherent talents as well as proper mechanism for professional growth. Coming up of television and youtube phenomenon, some of the cultural aspects may have been unleashed though but it is projected as a mere letting go of the ‘frustration’ rather than any professional growth aspect as of yet. Let’s see the ‘Game’ evolve…

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) in Singapore has been at the forefront of implementing strategic reforms to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its services, aiming to build a robust and innovative information and communications landscape. These reforms are part of a broader vision to transform Singapore into a Smart Nation, where technology is seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of citizens and businesses. One significant reform has been the establishment of the Info-Communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), which was created by merging the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) and the Media Development Authority (MDA). This amalgamation was designed to streamline regulatory processes and foster greater synergy between the media and infocomm sectors, ensuring that Singapore remains competitive in the global digital economy.

Another key area of reform has been the focus on digital inclusion, with MCI launching initiatives to ensure that all segments of the population can benefit from digital technologies. This includes programs aimed at upskilling older adults and underprivileged communities, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world. Additionally, MCI has been proactive in enhancing cybersecurity measures, recognizing the increasing threat of cyber attacks and the importance of safeguarding national and personal data. The ministry has introduced comprehensive frameworks and guidelines to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of both the public and private sectors, fostering a safer and more secure digital environment.

Furthermore, MCI has been instrumental in promoting the development of 5G technology and infrastructure, recognizing its potential to drive innovation and economic growth. The ministry has worked closely with industry stakeholders to develop a 5G roadmap, ensuring that Singapore is well-prepared to leverage the benefits of this advanced technology. This includes the deployment of 5G networks across the island and the support of pilot projects that explore the practical applications of 5G in areas such as manufacturing, healthcare, and urban solutions.

In addition to these technological and regulatory reforms, MCI has also been committed to improving public engagement and transparency. The ministry has implemented various platforms and channels to gather feedback from the public, ensuring that the needs and concerns of citizens are taken into account in the development of policies and services. This approach not only enhances the legitimacy and accountability of the ministry but also fosters a sense of ownership and participation among the public, contributing to a more inclusive and responsive governance model.

Overall, the reforms undertaken by the MCI reflect a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid evolution of information and communications technology. By fostering innovation, ensuring digital inclusion, enhancing cybersecurity, and promoting public engagement, MCI is playing a crucial role in shaping Singapore's future as a leading smart nation.

 

[Simran Rai]

The article “Reforms in MCI” by Amit Bhushan critically examines the neglect of Medical Council of India (MCI) reforms by both the media and political discourse, despite its significant implications for public welfare. Bhushan highlights how the MCI historically functioned more as a gatekeeper protecting its members than as a facilitator of professional standards, medical education reform, or ethical conduct enforcement. Instead of expanding the availability of qualified medical professionals or improving service access in underserved regions, the MCI largely preserved the status quo, leading to chronic shortages and elevated healthcare costs, especially for rural and small-town populations. With new reforms being proposed, the lack of clear public discourse and articulation of objectives raises concerns about whether these changes will actually address systemic issues or simply reflect lobbying influences. Bhushan points out crucial questions that remain unanswered: Will the reforms increase the number of affordable medical seats while maintaining education standards? Will they expand quality medical access in low-income regions or just reinforce urban-centralized corporatized care? Furthermore, the article emphasizes how the healthcare sector in distressed areas has never received structured policy support or subsidies, unlike industrial sectors, indicating deep systemic neglect. Drawing parallels to other sectors like aviation, sports, culture, and logistics, Bhushan stresses the absence of robust professional institutions to foster talent and share best practices across fields, resulting in missed economic and social opportunities. The piece ultimately calls for broader, well-informed policy debates beyond election-time rhetoric, focused on structural reforms that can unlock human potential and serve public needs effectively. In doing so, Bhushan suggests that the MCI reform conversation is not just about healthcare, but a microcosm of India’s governance challenges across multiple neglected professional domains. As with other writings in the “Game” series, the hope is for the emergence of policies driven by public interest over entrenched cabals.​