NMC Directs Medical Colleges to Set Up Disability Support Units

The National Medical Commission has directed all medical colleges and institutions to establish an enabling unit for students with benchmark disabilities, aligning with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The circular, issued Monday, aims to strengthen inclusive medical education by ensuring reasonable accommodation, academic support, and barrier-free access.

Each medical college must set up an Enabling Unit as a single point of contact for students with disabilities throughout their academic journey. The unit will facilitate reasonable accommodation, academic and clinical support, and address disability-specific accommodation requests during classroom teaching, clinical training, and internships.

Medical colleges must inform all students about the Enabling Unit during admission and display details on their websites and notice boards. The unit will coordinate with Disability Assessment Boards, faculty, and hospital administration to implement accommodations while maintaining confidentiality and protecting students from discrimination.