In a major development, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has officially recognized doctors holding the Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Cardiology (PGDCC), granting them the designation of Clinical Cardio-Physician (Non-Invasive). The diploma was awarded through Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), and the recognition applies retrospectively to all batches from 2006 to 2013.
This decision brings closure to a nearly two-decade-long struggle for formal acceptance of the course. The Indian Association of Clinical Cardiologists (IACC) confirmed that around 1,706 trained doctors will now be formally integrated into the healthcare system as recognized specialists.
Long Legal Battle Ends
The PGDCC programme was launched in 2006 as a two-year intensive training course for MBBS graduates, aimed at creating non-invasive cardiology specialists. However, the then Medical Council of India (MCI) had refused recognition, stating that the course violated medical education norms. Even after court interventions, recognition was denied multiple times.
The issue was eventually resolved after intervention by the Union Health Ministry, leading to NMC granting retrospective approval in 2025. Doctors have now completed verification processes and received updated registration certificates reflecting their additional qualification.
Recognition Process
According to IACC officials, PGDCC doctors were required to apply through the NMC portal, submit their academic and registration documents, and undergo verification of their MBBS credentials and professional standing. Once approved, their qualification was added to the Indian Medical Register.
Impact on Healthcare
Medical experts believe this move could significantly strengthen cardiac care, especially in underserved regions. Cardiovascular diseases account for nearly 28% of all deaths in India, yet the country has only around 5,000-6,000 cardiologists for a population exceeding 140 crore.
Dr. Rajesh Rajan of IACC said the inclusion of over 1,700 trained doctors could help bridge this gap. He emphasized that these specialists can now be deployed in district and rural hospitals, potentially placing two to three trained cardiac physicians in each district.
Addressing Specialist Shortage
Experts highlight that India’s cardiologist-to-population ratio is far below global standards. In many developed countries, there is one cardiologist per 20,000–30,000 people, while in India, the ratio is far worse. The PGDCC-trained doctors are expected to help reduce this disparity.
Future Outlook
With formal recognition now in place, these doctors may become eligible for government recruitment and structured roles in public healthcare. Experts say this could be a turning point for rural cardiology services.
IACC has also urged the government to revive and expand such training programs. The association argues that continuing the course could have produced thousands more specialists and helped curb the widespread issue of unqualified practitioners in rural areas.
Overall, the decision is being viewed as a significant policy shift that could improve access to cardiac care and strengthen India’s healthcare infrastructure.