National Medical Commission (TNN)

NEW DELHI: Every medical college regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC) will now have to set up an “Enabling Unit” for students with benchmark disabilities, providing a single point of contact for reasonable accommodation, academic and clinical support, and a barrier-free learning environment. The move follows the NMC’s new guidelines on assessing students with benchmark disabilities for MBBS admissions.In a circular issued on Monday, the NMC directed all medical colleges and institutions under its ambit to constitute the Enabling Units in compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and recent Supreme Court directions aimed at ensuring inclusive medical education.According to the circular, the Enabling Unit will function as the single point of contact for students with benchmark disabilities. It will facilitate access to reasonable accommodation, academic and clinical support measures, and barrier-free access within the institution. The unit will also receive and address requests for disability-specific accommodations during the course of study, including clinical training and internship.“Clinical accommodations are reasonable modifications that enable medical students with disabilities to participate in clinical training and patient care without compromising academic standards or patient safety,” said Prof Satendra Singh, coordinator of the Enabling Unit at UCMS and GTB hospital. He added that the Enabling Units are not a matter of charity but a mandatory requirement under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, aimed at providing a level playing field for students with disabilities.Medical colleges have also been asked to publicise the availability of the Enabling Unit through their websites and notice boards, coordinate with Disability Assessment Boards, faculty and hospital administration, and maintain records of requests and accommodations while ensuring confidentiality and non-discrimination.The NMC has directed all medical colleges to ensure that the Enabling Unit is functional, easily accessible and adequately publicised to promote an inclusive educational environment for students with benchmark disabilities. The circular has been issued with the approval of the competent authority.