The Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has passed a decision on the competency of surgeons and the qualifications necessary for such procedures. This decision was following a review held by the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) held on November 24, 2023, regarding the competency of doctors performing spine surgeries.
The Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of NMC determined that, in addition to spine surgeons who can conduct spine surgeries, both Orthopedic Surgeons and Neuro surgeons are competent to perform spine surgeries. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has clarified that both Orthopedic Surgeons and Neurosurgeons are authorized to perform spine surgeries.
A clarification regarding the same was issued to Dr. H.S. Chhabra, Chief of Spine Service and Medical Director at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, by Manish Kumar Mittal from the NMC Ethics Board.
The update also references Dr. Chhabra's letter from January 18, 2023, and includes considerations from the Association of Spine Surgeons of India.
"The Board examined the representation of the Association of spine surgeons of India. In this regard the internal meeting was held by PGMEB on 24/11/2023 and and stated that both Orthopedic Surgeons and Neurosurgeons are competent to perform spine surgeries. both the Orthopedic Surgeons and Neurosurgeons are competent to perform spine surgeries. In addition, spine Surgeons can also do the spine surgeries." NMC mentioned in the letter dated 15.07.2024.
"This issues with the approval of the competent authority." it further added.
Spine surgeries are catered to conditions, including spinal deformities, inspections, trauma, tumors, and degenerative issues like stenosis and herniated discs. These procedures can be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques involving smaller incisions. These surgeries are performed either traditionally in an open spine surgery procedure or using minimally invasive techniques involving smaller incisions.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Ruchika Brahmmadandi/MSM)