In an attempt to encourage research and the development of clinical skills, the National Medical Commission, the premier authority governing medical education, has for the first time introduced post-doctoral fellowship courses in medical schools under its authority.

The NMC announced that the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 (PGMER 2023), which were published in the official gazette on December 29, 2023, will have a two-year duration for Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) courses.

Up until now, these doctor training programs have been developed and approved at the individual level by medical colleges as well as other institutions.

The distinction between "permitted" and "recognised" seats has also been removed in PGMER 2023. It stated that a PG course will be regarded as recognized as soon as a medical college receives authorization to begin offering seats or courses.

The President of the Post-Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC), Dr. Vijay Oza, indicated that this will address numerous challenges that students encounter when registering for their degree following successful completion of postgraduate exams.

The Postgraduate Medical Education (Amendment) Regulations, 2018 have been superseded by new regulations that state that the NEET-PG test would remain in effect until the National Exit Test (NExT), which is being suggested, is operational for PG admission.

All postgraduate students will work as full-time resident doctors under the new standards, which stipulate that they must put in "reasonable working hours" and allow "reasonable time for rest" each day.

They will be allowed five academic days and a minimum of twenty days of casual leave annually. According to the new laws, post-graduate students will be permitted one weekly holiday, subject to work-related necessities.

Dr. Oza said, "There was no written leave provision earlier." "The NMC after considering the comments and suggestions of various stakeholders and detailed in-house discussion unveiled innovative reforms in post-graduate medical education, focused on fostering quality, ethical practice, and inclusivity within the medical fraternity," he said.

Dr. Oza stated that the goal of these reforms is to raise the bar for practice and education across the country and addresses a number of crucial facets of post-graduate medical education.

"The Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, which contain extensive improvements, represent a turning point in guaranteeing the best possible medical education in our nation. These rules show our dedication to developing a skilled and morally-responsible healthcare workforce," stated Dr. Yogender Malik, who is the head of NMC's media division and a member of the Ethics and Medical Registration Board.

There is a penalty clause that might be used to improve the way these policies are implemented. It can be used to impose a monetary fine, reduce the number of seats (admission capacity), or suspend admissions entirely.