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New Delhi, May 14, 2025: The future of the Delhi Medical Council (DMC)-the statutory body responsible for regulating medical practice and addressing complaints of medical negligence in the national capital-hangs in the balance as the Delhi government has formally proposed its dissolution. The move follows allegations of mismanagement, irregularities, and a prolonged leadership vacuum that have led to administrative and financial paralysis within the council.
Government Moves to Dissolve Council
The Delhi Health Department has sent a file titled “Proposal for control of government over Delhi Medical Council under Section 29 of the DMC Act, 1997” to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, recommending the council’s dissolution. If approved, this would mark the first time the DMC has been dissolved since its establishment in 1998.
A senior health department official confirmed that the file had been sent to the LG for approval, citing repeated warnings to the DMC to address “systematic irregularities,” particularly regarding the undue extension of the former registrar’s tenure. The government maintains that an investigation into these allegations is underway and that a final decision will follow.
Leadership Crisis and Operational Paralysis
The DMC has been grappling with severe operational challenges, primarily due to the absence of a registrar-the council’s chief executive and authorized signatory. This vacancy has brought statutory and administrative functions to a standstill, leaving financial obligations exceeding ₹2.5 crore unpaid. These include staff salaries, rent, tax dues, and vendor payments, with the council’s own minutes describing the situation as “critical administrative and financial paralysis”.
The crisis has also affected hundreds of doctors and medical students, whose registrations, internships, and No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) are delayed due to the lack of an authorized official to process applications. The acting president of DMC, Dr. Naresh Chawla, stated that the council had shortlisted a candidate for registrar in March, but the government has yet to respond, exacerbating the administrative deadlock.
Political and Professional Concerns
Several DMC members have criticized the government’s move, calling it politically motivated and an attempt to “control the body.” They warn that dissolving the council just months ahead of scheduled elections would undermine the democratic process and could impact the council’s ability to act independently on cases of medical negligence, especially against powerful private hospitals.
Former council members and medical professionals have also voiced concerns, noting that the DMC is the only statutory body in Delhi empowered to regulate the medical profession and ensure ethical practices. They caution that government control could erode the council’s autonomy and effectiveness.
What Happens Next?
Under Section 29 of the DMC Act, the government can dissolve the council if it finds that the body or its office-bearers have failed in their duties or exceeded their powers. In such a scenario, the government may appoint registered medical practitioners to carry out the council’s functions until corrective action is taken.
The proposal awaits the lieutenant governor’s approval. Meanwhile, the council’s administrative paralysis continues to impact both the medical community and the public.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of May 14, 2025, including reports from Medical Dialogues, Hindustan Times, and The New Indian Express. The situation is evolving, and further developments or official statements may alter the current status. Readers are advised to consult official sources or the Delhi government for the latest updates.
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