NMC proposes 3‑year rotational headship for HoDs in medical college departments

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released draft amendments to the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER) 2023, introducing key reforms including a rotational headship system and expanded doctor eligibility for super-specialty programs.

Under the proposed change to Regulation 7.1, the position of Head of Department (HoD) in all medical college departments would rotate every three years among qualified Professors and Associate Professors who meet seniority criteria and possess a postgraduate medical degree.

Officials say this reform aims to promote shared leadership, prevent stagnation, and broaden opportunities within departmental hierarchies.

The amendments also revise the list of feeder qualifications for certain super-specialty courses. Notably, the M.S. in Traumatology and Surgery is now recognized as a valid feeder degree for M.Ch programs in Neurosurgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Vascular Surgery, alongside traditional qualifications like M.S./DNB in General Surgery or Otorhinolaryngology

The draft regulations, published in the official Gazette on May 30, 2025, are open for public feedback for 30 days. Stakeholders can send written comments to the Director, PGMEB, NMC in New Delhi or via email, following the specified format outlined in the notification.

Through these proposed reforms, the NMC seeks to democratize departmental leadership and diversify pathways for super-specialty training. The outcome of the feedback process will be pivotal to their final adoption and rollout.