CONTENTS

1. National Medical Register (NMR) Portal
2. Streamlining Science and Technology Initiatives

National Medical Register (NMR) Portal

Context:

The Union Health Minister recently launched the National Medical Register Portal in New Delhi.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

National Medical Register (NMR) Portal

• The NMR Portal is an initiative by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to facilitate the registration of all MBBS doctors in India.
• Established under Section 31 of the NMC Act, 2019, the portal is managed by the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB), which maintains a comprehensive electronic national register.

Features of the NMR

• The register includes details such as the name, address, and all recognized qualifications of each registered medical practitioner.
• To enhance security and verify identities, the NMR is linked with the Aadhaar IDs of registered doctors.
• Registration and data management are conducted online, simplifying the process for doctors and medical institutions. The system interlinks various medical colleges, including Institutes of National Importance (INIs), and State Medical Councils (SMCs).

Data Accessibility and Privacy

• Visibility of Data: While some information is publicly accessible, sensitive data remains confidential, visible only to authorized entities like the EMRB, SMCs, the National Board of Examinations (NBE), and other relevant medical institutions.
• Portal Capabilities: The portal allows for the addition of qualifications, tracking of applications, suspension of licenses, and issuance of NMR ID cards and digital certificates.

Continuous Improvement

• Developmental Focus: The NMR is committed to ongoing enhancements to streamline and improve the registration processes for medical practitioners in India.

Streamlining Science and Technology Initiatives

Context:

The Union Cabinet has sanctioned the consolidation and continuation of various programs under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) into three primary components, integrating them into a single central sector scheme titled ‘Vigyan Dhara’.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Vigyan Dhara Initiative

Key Components:

• Science and Technology Institutional and Human Capacity Building: Focuses on enhancing the infrastructure and skill sets essential for scientific research and application.
• Research and Development (R&D): Dedicated to advancing knowledge through systematic research activities.
• Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment: Aims to transform research outputs into practical solutions and technologies.

Existing Programs:

• INSPIRE Program: Integrated as part of the initiative to motivate and involve individuals in the scientific process.

Duration and Scope:

• Timeframe: Set for the 15th Finance Commission period, spanning from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• Primary Goal: Enhance the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem in India by fostering skills, research, and technological advancements.

Special Focus:

• Gender Parity: Implements specific measures to increase female participation in Science and Technology, aiming to achieve gender equality in these fields.

Long-term Vision:

• Viksit Bharat 2047: Aligns with the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) five-year objectives, contributing to the broader vision of a developed India by 2047.

Alignment with National Research Goals:

• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): Ensures that R&D activities meet global standards while focusing on India’s specific needs and priorities.