New Delhi, July 4 -- The health ministry has asked the Cabinet Secretariat to urgently fill 18 top-level vacancies at the country's apex medical education regulator, which is reeling under a leadership void just ahead of the next academic session, two officials aware of the matter said.

The ministry sought an expedited review of shortlisted candidates for the vacant positions at the National Medical Commission (NMC), the officials said. NMC appointments are made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on the recommendations of a search committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.

Of the 20 member posts at the NMC, only two are occupied and even they have completed their tenure. The leadership void comes at a crucial time for medical...