World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)

About World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)

• WFME is a global organization concerned with the education and training of medical doctors.
• WFME’s mission is to strive for better health care for all mankind.
• WFME’s primary objective is to enhance the quality of medical education worldwide, with the promotion of the highest scientific and ethical standards in medical education. 
• This objective is met through 
  • The development of standards in medical education;
  • The promotion of accreditation of medical schools;
  • The development of databases on medical education;
  • Projects on the future of medicine and medical education;
  • Publications and partnerships;
• It was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Ferney-Voltaire, France.
• It is the organisation that officially and globally represents medical teachers and medical teaching institutions before the World Health Organization (WHO).
• WFME's accreditation program plays a pivotal role in ensuring that medical institutes meet and uphold the highest international standards of education and training
• Importance of WFME Recognition Status to NMC:
  • It will enable Indian medical graduates to practice or pursue post-graduation in countries including the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, where WFME recognition is a prerequisite.
  • All 706 existing medical colleges in India have received WFME accreditation. Any new medical colleges established in the next 10 years will also automatically gain WFME accreditation status.
  • It will enable the commission to enhance the quality and standards of medical education in India by aligning it with global best practices and benchmarks.
  • It will also augment the international recognition and reputation of Indian medical institutions and professionals, foster academic collaborations and exchanges, and promote ongoing improvements and innovation in medical education.

Key Facts about National Medical Commission (NMC):

• NMC is a statutory body established under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.
• The NMC replaced the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI), which was established in 1934.
• Functions:
  • NMC regulates medical education and medical professionals.
  • The Commission grants recognition of medical qualifications, gives accreditation to medical schools, grants registration to medical practitioners, monitors medical practice and assesses the medical infrastructure in India.
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Organisational structure of NMC:
  • It consists of 33 members, including Chairman (medical professionals only), 10 ex-officio members and 22 part-ime members.
  • Medical Advisory Council: It provides the platform through which the states or UTs can put forth their views and concerns before the NMC and advises the NMC on measures to determine and maintain minimum standards of medical education.

Q1) What is the World Health Organization (WHO)?

WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, the WHO's primary objective is to promote and protect global health, as well as to provide leadership on international public health issues.

Source: India gets WFME accreditation, medical students can now practice in US, other countries