EXPLAINED: What is NeXT For Aspiring Doctors In India And When They Have To Appear For The Test
News 18Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that due steps are being taken to roll out the maiden National Exit Test in the first half of 2023. In a statement on July 30, the Health Ministry said that while work is on as per the roadmap to hold NeXT in the first half of 2023, a “mock run” is also being planned for 2022 “to test the procedure and remove anxiety among medical students”. Experts have reportedly said that NeXT can serve the purpose of standardising medical education in the country and also addresses several issues related to how doctors are trained and enter the service in India. The National Medical Commission Act, 2019, says that NeXT is to be conducted “through such designated authority and in such manner as may be specified by regulations” and would become become operational “within three years from the date of commencement of this Act”. The Centre has said that NMC was created “with the objective of improving access to quality and affordable medical education, ensuring adequate and high-quality medical professionals in all parts of India and to provide equitable and universal healthcare”.