L-G approves dissolution of medical council over irregularities

Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) VK Saxena has approved the Delhi Government’s proposal to dissolve the Delhi Medical Council (DMC), citing serious irregularities and misuse of authority by the statutory body. Officials confirmed on Tuesday that the L-G also directed the Health Department to initiate immediate steps for the reconstitution of the council, with the entire process to be completed within two months.

The Delhi Medical Council is an autonomous body established under the Delhi Medical Council Act, 1997. It plays a key role in regulating the medical profession in the national capital, ensuring ethical standards among practitioners and safeguarding patient welfare.

The move to dissolve the council was initiated following a proposal from the Health Department under Section 29 of the DMC Act.

In a strongly worded note, L-G Saxena cited that the DMC had extended the retirement age of its registrar from 60 to 65 years without seeking approval from the government. Furthermore, the body had extended the registrar’s term by an additional year from December 1, 2024, unilaterally and without due process.

In response to a show-cause notice issued by the government in February this year, the DMC stated that the official in question had resigned with immediate effect. However, the council failed to provide any supporting documents or further clarification, the L-G note stated.

Accusing the council of having “exceeded” and “abused” the powers vested in it by the Act, Saxena concurred with the Health Department’s recommendation for its dissolution.

To ensure administrative continuity during the interim period, the L-G has directed that two ex-officio members of the Delhi Medical Council will continue in their roles. He also ordered that the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) be assigned the responsibilities of the registrar until the council is reconstituted.