New Delhi: In a move that resolves a long-standing regulatory impasse, National Medical Commission (NMC) has granted recognition to Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Cardiology (PGDCC), effectively validating the degrees of around 1,700 doctors who completed the course between 2006 and 2013. The programme, run by IGNOU, was effectively shut down after 2013 following its non-recognition by erstwhile Medical Council of India.The decision, announced by Indian Association of Clinical Cardiologists on Tuesday, is also being seen as a step towards addressing shortage of cardiology specialists in underserved regions.The decision comes against the backdrop of cardiovascular disease accounting for nearly 28% of deaths in India, even as access to specialists remains skewed towards cities. Nearly 65-70% of the country’s population lives outside major cities, but over 80% of cardiologists are based in urban centres, leaving large regions dependent on general physicians and delayed referrals.India has fewer than 5,000-6,000 cardiologists for over 1.4 billion people-roughly one per 2-3 lakh-which is far below global norms. “India is facing a widening and underreported shortage of cardiology specialists,” said Dr Rakesh Gupta of Indian Academy of Echocardiography. TNNEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRaghav Chadha Fallout: Who Really Wins and Loses in Punjab?Mumbai–Pune Expressway’s ‘Missing Link’ Opens May 1: Faster Travel, Better Safety, No Extra Toll90-Year-Old Rejects Apology, Then Court Pushes ₹20 Crore Case to 2046Ganga Expressway Inaugurated: What ₹1,500 Toll Gets You on UP’s 594-km High-Speed Corridor | PM ModiUAE Quits OPEC In Big Oil Shake-Up: What It Means For India‘Siddaramaiah Ready To Step Down As Karnataka CM If Rahul Gandhi Asks’: Ex-Minister RajannaBengal Phase 2 Polls: 142 Constituencies Vote Today, Over 3.21 Crore Voters to DecideChokepoints of Power: how India can ‘trump’ China on the seasSwati Maliwal’s Explosive Exit: Assault Allegations, ‘Betrayal’ Charges Rock AAP As She Joins BJPIndian Aviation Sector Warns Of Possible Shutdown Amid Soaring Fuel Costs123Photostories5 lessons from Premanand Ji Maharaj for a more peaceful, happy, and fulfilling life10 divine baby girl names inspired by Goddess Durga6 low-maintenance plants that survive even if you forget to water themMorning affirmation at 5am: Wake up, check in for a soul resetHow to make Cucumber Sandwich for a light summer breakfastTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: Who is Nilesh Bhatt? Meet the actor who played over 20 different roles on the showWhy does day-old rice get dry in the refrigerator? 4 easy fixes to keep it soft and fluffy‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 release: Here is all you need to knowShe thought it was stress, doctors found a hormone disorderTamannaah Bhatia serves Andy Sachs energy at ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ India screening in a dramatic David Koma ensemble123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal Poll Phase 2 ViolenceFirhad HakimMK StalinExit Poll PredictionsHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingAssembly Election Exit PollsExit Poll results 2026Bengal Exit Polls 2026Puducherry Exit Polls 2026Exit PollNavy LaunchRaja Raghuvanshi Wife BailBengal PollsGanga ExpresswayIPL Orange Cap
New Delhi: In a move that resolves a long-standing regulatory impasse, National Medical Commission (NMC) has granted recognition to Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Cardiology (PGDCC), effectively validating the degrees of around 1,700 doctors who completed the course between 2006 and 2013. The programme, run by IGNOU, was effectively shut down after 2013 following its non-recognition by erstwhile Medical Council of India.The decision, announced by Indian Association of Clinical Cardiologists on Tuesday, is also being seen as a step towards addressing shortage of cardiology specialists in underserved regions.The decision comes against the backdrop of cardiovascular disease accounting for nearly 28% of deaths in India, even as access to specialists remains skewed towards cities. Nearly 65-70% of the country’s population lives outside major cities, but over 80% of cardiologists are based in urban centres, leaving large regions dependent on general physicians and delayed referrals.India has fewer than 5,000-6,000 cardiologists for over 1.4 billion people-roughly one per 2-3 lakh-which is far below global norms. “India is facing a widening and underreported shortage of cardiology specialists,” said Dr Rakesh Gupta of Indian Academy of Echocardiography. TNN