Lok Sabha passes National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill and Indian System of Medicine Bill 2020

NATIONAL | Sept 15, 2020:

The Lok Sabha has approved passing of the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2020 and the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2020 in the Parliament on Monday.

Both these bills were passed by the Rajya Sabha on 19th March this year during the Budget Session.

The bills aim at ensuring the availability of high-quality medical professionals both for homoeopathic treatment as well as for the Indian System of Medicine.

The National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2020 seeks to repeal the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 and to set up a National Commission for Homoeopathy.

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The Commission for Homoeopathy will consist of 20 members which will include a Chairperson, the President of the Homoeopathy Education Board, the Director-General of National Institute of Homoeopathy, the President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board for Homoeopathy in addition to other members.

The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2020 seeks to repeal the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 and set up a National Commission for Indian System of Medicine. The Commission will consist of 29 members including a Chairperson, the President of the Board of Ayurveda, President of the Board of Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa, in addition to other members.

The two bills also propose a constitution of Advisory Councils for Homoeopathy as well as for Indian System of Medicine. These Councils will be the primary platform through which the states and union territories will put forth their views and concerns before the two Commissions.

The Advisory Councils will also suggest measures to the Commission to determine and maintain standards of medical education in the country.

The bills also envisage a National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for admission to both undergraduate and Post-Graduate courses of Homoeopathy and various disciplines of Indian System of Medicine.

The bills will now be sent to the President for his assent.