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New Delhi, July 14, 2025 — Dr. Abhijat Sheth, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon with an extensive career spanning India and the UK, has officially taken charge as the new Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC), India’s apex regulatory body for medical education and practice. Dr. Sheth succeeds Dr. B.N. Gangadhar, who resigned due to health concerns after a tenure marked by significant reforms in the sector.
Dr. Sheth brings to the position a wealth of clinical, academic, and administrative experience. He currently also serves as the President of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), which conducts entrance examinations for postgraduate and super-specialisation medical courses. With this dual role, Dr. Sheth now oversees both of India’s primary medical education regulatory bodies.
The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) confirmed Dr. Sheth’s appointment on July 11, 2025, following the approval of the Union Health Ministry’s proposal. His term as NMC Chairperson is set for four years from the date of assumption or until he turns 70, whichever comes first.
In his first statements after the appointment, Dr. Sheth outlined his priorities: “It is a huge responsibility and it’s challenging. We need to focus on improving the quality, we need to focus on access, and good governance and teamwork. These are the primary things that we will focus on.” He emphasized the need for quality education, better access, and governance reforms to meet governmental objectives.
Dr. Sheth’s predecessor, Dr. Gangadhar, is credited with ushering in key reforms, including the grading of medical colleges, World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) accreditation, a revised competency-based curriculum, and the implementation of the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) for real-time faculty monitoring. These initiatives have been recognized for enhancing transparency and consistency in medical education across India.
Dr. Sheth’s appointment comes at a critical time, as the NMC continues to address challenges in medical education and regulation, including filling key vacancies and ensuring the smooth conduct of upcoming entrance examinations.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information from publicly available sources as of July 14, 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to consult official announcements for the most current details. The views expressed in quoted statements are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication.
