40 medical colleges lose recognition, 100 more under scrutiny: NMC Sources
The rigidity of the NMC's attendance system has been criticized as impractical, and flexibility is urged in addressing such issues.
New Delhi, May 31: In recent months, approximately 40 medical colleges across India have reportedly lost their recognition due to alleged non-compliance with standards set by the National Medical Commission (NMC), according to official sources.
Additionally, it is stated that around 100 more medical colleges in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Assam, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, and West Bengal are likely to face similar action. Inspections conducted by the Commission revealed that these colleges were not adhering to prescribed norms, with various lapses identified in areas such as CCTV camera installations, Aadhaar-linked biometric attendance procedures, and faculty rolls.
Government data highlights a significant increase in the number of medical colleges since 2014. Minister of State for Health, Bharati Pravin Pawar, informed the Rajya Sabha in February that the number of medical colleges has grown by 69 per cent, from 387 before 2014 to 654 at present.
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Moreover, there has been a 94 per cent rise in MBBS seats, from 51,348 before 2014 to 99,763 currently, and a 107 per cent increase in PG seats, from 31,185 before 2014 to 64,559 presently. These expansions have been undertaken by the government to address the shortage of doctors in the country.
To facilitate the increase in medical seats, the government has implemented various measures, including a centrally-sponsored scheme to upgrade district/referral hospitals into new medical colleges. Out of the 157 approved, 94 new medical colleges are already operational under this scheme.
Experts from the medical field have responded to the derecognition of these medical colleges, expressing concerns about the National Medical Commission's approach. They argue that the NMC heavily relies on the Aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance system, which only considers faculty members on duty during fixed daytime hours from 8 am to 2 pm. However, doctors' working hours are not fixed, as they often work during emergencies and night shifts.
The rigidity of the NMC's attendance system has been criticized as impractical, and flexibility is urged in addressing such issues.
Another concern raised by experts is the contradiction between derecognizing medical colleges while still allowing student registrations in these institutions. This situation has the potential to tarnish India's global reputation as the largest supplier of doctors. Experts fear that instances like these may erode confidence in Indian doctors worldwide.
The National Medical Commission's actions and the ongoing scrutiny of medical colleges shed light on the need for balanced regulations and practical considerations in ensuring the quality and standards of medical education in India.