In a move aimed at bridging the rural healthcare gap, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) will soon introduce a system allowing doctors to earn credit points by participating in medical camps in villages. The initiative, set to be announced within a week, is part of the continuing professional development (CPD) program, which mandates all registered medical practitioners (RMPs) to earn a minimum of 30 credit points every five years to renew their MMC registration.

“Doctors who volunteer in rural medical camps, conduct surgeries, and provide free healthcare services should receive some incentive. The best way to encourage them is by awarding credit points,” said Dr. Vinky Rughwani, administrator, MMC. 

He emphasised that this initiative would not only benefit rural patients but also help doctors fulfill their CPD requirements.

“Under the new system, hospitals or charitable organisations hosting medical camps will notify MMC about doctors providing free services for at least three hours, enabling them to earn credit points,” said Dr Rughwani.

How the Credit System Works

Doctors registered with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) must accumulate 30 credit points every five years to renew their registration, with a minimum requirement of six credit points per year. At least 50% of these points must be from the doctor’s area of specialisation, and credit points cannot be carried forward. Until now, doctors could earn these points by attending continuous medical education (CME) seminars, publishing studies, and participating in academic activities. With the new initiative, doctors will also be able to earn credit points by serving in rural medical camps, conducting free surgeries, and providing healthcare services in underserved areas.

QR Code System for Registered Doctors

In another step to enhance transparency, MMC is set to introduce QR codes for every registered doctor in Maharashtra within two weeks. The QR codes will allow patients to verify a doctor’s credentials, including qualifications and MMC registration number.

“The initiative is designed to help patients access verified medical professionals and curb treatment by unqualified practitioners,” said Dr Rughwani.

MMC Elections Scheduled for April

After operating without an elected governing body for over two years, MMC will finally hold elections for its new committee on April 3, 2025. The voting process will be conducted via a secret ballot at district headquarters under the supervision of district collectors.

The 18-member MMC has been functioning without an elected committee since August 7, 2022, when the previous term expired. Dr. Pallavi Saple, Dean of Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, was appointed as an administrator for a year. Following her tenure, the responsibility was briefly handled by Dr. Dilip Mhaisekar, Director of the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), before Dr. Rughwani took over.

Nine of the 18 committee members will be elected in the upcoming polls. The deadline for filing nomination papers is February 18, 2025.

Established in 1912, MMC is a quasi-judicial body that regulates medical education and ethics in Maharashtra while also handling complaints related to medical negligence. With over 1.8 lakh registered doctors, MMC processes approximately 9,000 new registrations annually.