NMC Revisits Proposal for HoD Rotation in Medical Colleges; Five-Year Tenure Likely
NEW DELHI: In a significant policy shift regarding the administrative structure of medical institutions, the National Medical Commission (NMC) is recalibrating its strategy for the rotation of Heads of Departments (HoDs). Following extensive consultations with stakeholders and feedback from the medical community, the commission is now leaning toward a five-year rotation model, moving away from the previously proposed three-year term.
The development comes nearly 18 months after the original draft amendment to the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, sparked a nationwide debate. The initial proposal, which sought to rotate the HoD position every three years among eligible professors and associate professors based on seniority, faced considerable pushback and suggestions for refinement from academic experts and hospital administrators.
Refinement of the Policy
M K Ramesh, president of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), confirmed that the commission is actively reviewing the feedback gathered during the public consultation phase. A notable change in the evolving policy is the restriction of the rotation eligibility. Unlike the earlier draft, which considered both professors and associate professors, the revised framework is expected to limit leadership rotation specifically to professors.
“We have received substantial feedback, ranging from requests for five to 10-year tenures to arguments against mandatory rotation entirely,” Dr. Ramesh stated. “We are carefully evaluating these valid points to ensure that the final policy maintains administrative continuity while providing opportunities for leadership development.”
The commission plans to move the revised draft shortly, with officials indicating that the formal process—from initiation to implementation—is expected to conclude within six weeks. However, uncertainty remains regarding whether the NMC will initiate a fresh round of public comments or finalize the policy based on the extensive feedback already logged.
Addressing Administrative Stagnation
The push for rotation stems from an effort to prevent leadership stagnation within departments, potentially fostering a more dynamic academic and clinical environment. By rotating leadership, the commission hopes to cultivate a broader base of experienced administrators across the country’s medical colleges.
The delay in implementing these changes has been a subject of frustration for some in the medical fraternity. The issue was recently highlighted through an Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Dr. A N Dattatri, a professor and head of the pharmacology department at the Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute, Hubballi. Dr. Dattatri had sought disclosure regarding the specific feedback received by the board and the status of the deliberations.
In a response dated September 16, 2026, the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) declined to share the internal notes, citing Section 8(1)(i) of the RTI Act, which allows authorities to withhold records that are still under deliberation.
What Lies Ahead
For now, the five-year rotation plan remains a proposal rather than a mandate. The medical community awaits the final notification, which will provide clarity on the criteria for eligibility, the transition process, and whether the policy will be implemented uniformly across all government and private medical institutions. As the NMC prepares to finalize the regulations, stakeholders remain divided on whether institutional efficiency is better served by long-term stability or the introduction of fresh leadership through periodic rotations.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
