The National Medical Commission’s Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB) has approved the building of a new medical college in Odisha, which is a significant development for medical education in the state. The DRIEMS Institute of Health Sciences and Hospital is located in Cuttack and is administered by Utkal University in Bhubaneswar. This permission gives prospective medical students optimism because the college would offer 100 MBBS seats, allowing them to pursue their goals of becoming doctors.

Approval Procedure

The MARB approved the creation of DRIEMS Institute of Health Sciences and Hospital after a thorough evaluation. The assessment report dated February 7, 2023, as well as the physical compliance verification assessments report dated May 22, 2023, were critical in the approval procedure. Furthermore, the college was required to make an undertaking recognising all of the terms and conditions outlined in the letter of intent dated May 24, 2023.

Compliance and Recognition

While the creation of the institution has been approved, it is critical that the authorities seek acknowledgement of the qualification under section 35(2) of the Indian Medical Council (IMC) Act. The National Medical Commission will seek recognition at the first batch’s final assessment. It is critical to follow the guidelines established by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Throughout the academic year, this requires maintaining adequate infrastructure, including physical and human resources, teaching faculty, and clinical content.

Misconduct’s Consequences

The National Medical Commission has issued clear instructions about false assertions or forged documents used to seek MARB approval. If such misbehavior is uncovered during surprise assessments or brought to the National Medical Commission’s attention, the institution will not be considered for degree recognition. This highlights the significance of honesty and compliance with rules in the medical education sector.

Requirements that must be met

The institute must create a biometric attendance system and a website to provide information openness and accessibility. The website should provide detailed information about the college, such as the courses offered, available teachers, and their experience over the previous five years. It should also include information about the students who have enrolled at the college and the university with which it is affiliated. Furthermore, hospital services, facilities, and equipment in each speciality should be provided, as well as outpatient (OP) and inpatient (IP) census statistics, including births and deaths from municipal or government records.

The Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute’s Department of Paediatrics has received provisional accreditation from the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to provide post-graduate training for DNB (Diplomate of National Board) in pediatrics. This accreditation enables the college to provide training for one seat in DNB-post MBBS and one seat in DNB-post diploma programmes, marking an important milestone in medical education and healthcare delivery.

What exactly is DNB Paediatrics?

The National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences offers a post-graduate medical training programme called DNB Paediatrics. It is intended to provide clinicians with specialized knowledge and abilities in pediatrics. The programme focuses on offering comprehensive training in pediatric disease diagnosis, treatment, and management.

Provisional Training Accreditation

The Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute’s Department of Paediatrics has acquired provisional accreditation from NBEMS for the DNB Paediatrics programme. This accreditation is valid for up to five years and is subject to annual evaluations to verify that the college meets the board’s basic standards.

Opportunities for Training

The college has been granted permission to train one DNB-post MBBS student and one DNB-post diploma student. This opportunity provides medical graduates and diploma holders with the opportunity to acquire specialized training in pediatrics under the supervision of competent faculty in a well-equipped hospital setting.

Curriculum and duration

The DNB Paediatrics programme at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute is three years long. During this time, trainees will receive intensive instruction in different parts of pediatrics, such as clinical rotations, case studies, research projects, and academic sessions. The programme is intended to provide a thorough understanding of pediatric medicine as well as clinical experience in the management of pediatric patients.

Review of Accreditation

The accreditation given by NBEMS will be assessed annually to ensure the preservation of quality standards. These reviews serve as a method for assessing the department’s performance and ensuring conformity with the established requirements. The college is dedicated to maintaining the highest medical education standards and will actively participate in the accreditation review process.

The Advantages of Accreditation

The accreditation of the Department of Paediatrics at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute has a number of advantages for aspiring pediatricians, medical students, and the healthcare system as a whole. Among the many advantages are:

• Accreditation assures that the training given fulfills the highest quality requirements, providing trainees with a thorough and well-rounded learning experience.
• DNB Paediatrics is a nationally recognised and regarded qualification that enhances graduates’ professional reputation and job possibilities.
• Access to Specialized Resources: Accredited programmes frequently have access to superior medical facilities, cutting-edge technologies, and research possibilities, all of which enhance the training experience.
• Accreditation entails rigorous evaluation processes that assist maintain uniformity in training and assessment, ensuring the competency of future pediatricians.
• Improved Patient Care: Well-trained pediatricians contribute to better healthcare outcomes, which leads to better care for children and their families.

Kerala, a state noted for its strong healthcare system and medical education facilities, may see a major decline in MBBS seats for the academic year 2023-24. The National Medical Commission’s (NMC) Undergraduate Medical Education Board has denied three medical colleges the continuation of recognition for MBBS degree courses granted by the Kerala University of Health Sciences. Another medical college’s seats have been decreased by half. The board identified shortcomings such as a lack of teaching staff and resident doctors, poor examination practises, and an insufficient patient load. In this post, we will go into the specifics of this issue and consider the ramifications for medical students in Kerala.

Main Deficiencies Leading to the Denial of Recognition

Insufficient Faculty and Resident Doctors at Jubilee Mission Medical College

Due to a number of problems, the Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute in Thrissur has been denied recognition. 

• The board discovered a shortage of associate professors in biochemistry and community medicine, as well as assistant professors in anatomy, radiodiagnosis, and pulmonary medicine.
• There is also a shortage of tutors, demonstrators, or senior resident doctors in departments such as anatomy, biochemistry, paediatrics, pharmacology, physiology, radiodiagnosis, emergency medicine, and pulmonary medicine. 
• The college’s problems are exacerbated by the lack of junior resident doctors in the mandated Aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance system (AEBAS).

Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Hospital & Medical College Insufficient to Meet Minimum Requirements

Thiruvananthapuram’s Dr Somervell Memorial CSI Hospital & Medical College likewise failed to achieve the basic requirements for faculty and resident doctors. As a result, the Undergraduate Medical Education Board has refused it recognition. Although the precise shortcomings were not stated directly, the board’s examination determined that the college was unfit for continued recognition.

Sree Gokulam Medical College has subpar examination practises and a low patient load.

Sree Gokulam Medical College & Research Foundation, also in Thiruvananthapuram, has had 150 MBBS seats reduced due to poor examination practises and an unacceptable patient load. The board revealed that just a small percentage of students who took the yearly main examination were from the usual batch, indicating a flaw in the examination procedure. Furthermore, the hospital area’s malfunctioning cameras prompted questions about the college’s capacity to achieve the minimum criteria.

Sree Uthradom Thirunal Academy of Medical Sciences Appeals for Restoration

Sree Uthradom Thirunal Academy of Medical Sciences (SUTAMS) in Thiruvananthapuram, which has lost 50 of its 100 MBBS seats, has taken the initiative to petition the NMC for the restoration of its seats for the following academic year. The institution has been given the chance to seek for a seat increase to 100 for the 2024-25 academic year. The restoration, however, is conditional on the college taking the appropriate steps to strengthen its faculty position and patient load.

Reactions and Appeals

The Role of the National Medical Commission

The head of the Kerala Private Medical College Management Association, Anilkumar Vallil, assures interested parties that the denial of recognition is a routine operation carried out by the NMC to safeguard the quality of medical education. He emphasises that, as in past years, the NMC normally gives authorization when the institutions provide the appropriate commitment. This declaration aims to assuage concerns regarding the loss of MBBS seats in the state.

Impact on Medical Aspirants

The continued rejection of recognition and reduction of MBBS seats in Kerala may have a severe impact on the state’s medical students. With the probable loss of 450 seats, prospective doctors may face higher competition and fewer options for furthering their study in medicine.

Because of the reduction in seats, fewer students will be able to gain admission to these medical schools, resulting in increased competition among candidates. This could lead to higher cutoff scores and more difficult admission processes, making it more difficult for eligible students to get admission to a medical school.

Furthermore, limited seat availability may stimulate demand for alternative options such as private medical institutions or medical colleges in other states. Because tuition at private medical schools is often greater, this may place an additional financial stress on students and their families.

The denial of recognition owing to faculty and infrastructure problems raises questions about the quality of education delivered by these universities. Medical students aspire for high-quality education in order to be competent as future healthcare providers. The absence of appropriate teachers and resources in these colleges may have an impact on students’ overall learning experience and practical exposure.

It is critical that the relevant authorities rectify these shortcomings and take the required actions to reestablish recognition and enhance the number of MBBS seats in Kerala. This will not only create additional possibilities for medical students, but will also ensure the availability of competent doctors to address the state’s population’s healthcare needs.

Finally, the denial of recognition and the limitation of MBBS seats in Kerala may have a negative influence on medical students. To sustain the quality of medical education and meet the state’s healthcare needs, the authorities must address the weaknesses and work towards restoring recognition and increasing the number of seats.

The Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College (GMC) has received authorisation from the Medical Council of India (MCI) to begin offering the MBBS programme in the academic year 2023-24. Dr. Sowbhagya Lakshmi, the college’s administrator, broke the news during a press conference on June 2 (Friday). The newly constructed GMC will give practical training at the Government General Hospital (GGH) with a seating capacity of 150 students. This article provides an in-depth summary of the Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College’s approval, infrastructure, facilities, and other important details.

Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College 

The Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College, built at a cost of 245 crore, was established to meet the region’s expanding demand for medical education. The institution is located on the grounds of the Government General Hospital, giving students direct access to clinical facilities and patient care experience.

MCI (Medical Council of India) approval

The Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College has been approved by the Medical Council of India (MCI) to offer the MBBS course. This MCI certification attests to the college’s conformity to the regulatory body’s quality requirements and procedures. The MCI approval ensures that the college is well-equipped to give aspiring students with high-quality medical education.

2023-24 Academic Year

The Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College will offer 150 places for students seeking admission to the MBBS programme beginning in the academic year 2023-24. The college’s goal is to foster and teach future medical professionals by offering a comprehensive curriculum, cutting-edge facilities, and experienced faculty members.

Practical Experience at the Government General Hospital

The Government Medical College (GMC) in Rajamahendravaram has the distinct advantage of being affiliated with the Government General Hospital (GGH). The first class of students admitted to the institution will have the opportunity to receive hands-on instruction and experience in a real-world healthcare setting. This hands-on experience will be crucial in developing their medical abilities and preparing them for future employment as doctors.

Infrastructure and Services

Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College has modern infrastructure and well-equipped facilities to support its students’ study and development. The college has made major investments in establishing large classrooms, cutting-edge laboratories, a well-stocked library, and research facilities. Furthermore, the college provides hostel accommodations for students, offering a favourable setting for their academic endeavours.

Report Submission

The principal of Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College, Dr. Sowbhagya Lakshmi, emphasised the college’s dedication to sustaining good educational standards. She stated that a full report on the college’s readiness, infrastructure, and teaching faculty would be given to the Director of Medical Education. This report is intended to reassure officials and stakeholders that the college is well-prepared to provide quality education to its students.

The Bombay High Court has granted an 18-year-old girl permission to reappear for the National Eligibility Cumulative Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2023. Dhanashree Jagatap, the aspirant, was unable to complete her exam paper due to a broken wrist. This decision provides a ray of hope for students who are dealing with unforeseen situations that are affecting their performance in important exams. Let us go into the specifics of this case and consider the consequences for future situations.

The Incident and the Plea

Dhanashree Jagatap stated that she arrived at the NEET-UG examination centre on 7 May and fell to the ground due to the rush in the queue. This incident caused a dislocation of her right wrist joint, preventing her from finishing the exam. Jagatap asked the court for permission to retake the exam, emphasizing that she was assigned a writer after receiving medical attention but was not granted more time to complete her paper. As a result, she was unable to complete the final part of the Physics subject.

The Court’s Decision

The vacation bench of Justices Manish Pitale and Neela Gokhale thoroughly studied Jagatap’s case. They recognised her sad circumstances and the impact they had on her capacity to pass the NEET-UG examination. Given the peculiar circumstances surrounding this year’s test as a result of the outbreak of unrest in Manipur, the court agreed to allow Jagatap to reappear for NEET-UG 2023.

Re-examination for Manipur Students

Because of the turmoil in the region, the NEET-UG 2023 examination is being held separately for candidates from Manipur. The re-examination for these students is set for June 6 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Jagatap will be permitted to take the exam with Manipur students at a specified centre in Bengaluru. The court emphasized that the authorities involved must take the necessary steps to ensure Jagatap has a seamless and convenient examination experience.

Conditions of the Ruling

While allowing Jagatap permission to retake the NEET-UG 2023 examination, the court placed the caveat that he not rely on the results of his earlier try on May 7. The Union government has stated its willingness to allow Jagatap to retake the exam on June 6, if she accepts this condition. The court affirmed this stipulation and ordered Jagatap to write an undertaking within a week saying expressly that she will not depend on her prior NEET-UG 2023 examination attempt.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has decertified three medical colleges in Assam, including Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), and Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College (Barpeta Medical), in response to violations of its medical education standards. During the Commission’s inspections, these colleges were found to be non-compliant with the specified standards, with many gaps connected to CCTV cameras, Aadhaar-linked biometric attendance protocols, and faculty rolls uncovered. The NMC has emphasized the adoption of the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) in all medical institutions to guarantee that attendance is captured on a regular basis as required by rules.

The Crackdown on Non-Compliance

The NMC has de-recognized about 40 medical colleges in the last two months. According to officials, over 100 more medical institutes are currently under investigation and may face similar NMC action. The NMC has remained unwavering in its aim to promote high standards of medical education and ensure regulatory compliance.

Union Health Minister’s Warning

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya issued a strong warning to medical colleges that fail to follow norms and retain qualified faculty in December. The government is dedicated to hold medical institutions accountable for providing quality education and maintaining the necessary infrastructure and faculty.

Blaming NMC Officials

Dr. Abhijit Sharma, superintendent of GMCH, has chastised NMC officials for the college’s de-recognition. According to him, the NMC team performed the inspection on January 23, 2023, a national holiday that also happened to coincide with the college’s winter vacation. As a result, a sizable section of the employees was on leave at the time. Dr. Sharma believes that the scenario may have been averted if the inspection had been arranged around state and national holidays.

Colleges’ Right to Appeal

Despite the NMC’s decision to revoke recognition, the impacted medical colleges have 30 days to file an appeal. The initial appeal must be made to the NMC, and if that is denied, the institutions can take their case to the Union Ministry of Health. The GMCH authorities have recognised the need to address the issues mentioned by the council and intend to reapply for recognition.

NEET UG 2023: BDS admission, highest cut-offs at leading medical colleges in AIQ counselling have become hot issues of debate among India’s aspiring medical students. The rivalry for BDS seats has reached new heights, with almost 17 lakh hopefuls impatiently awaiting the NEET UG answer key 2023. In this post, we will look at the BDS admissions procedure, the closing ranks at leading medical schools, and present important information for students who want to choose BDS as their undergraduate medical degree.

NEET UG Answer Key 2023: Awaiting Results

With over 18 lakh hopefuls waiting for the NEET UG results and answer key, the excitement is palpable. Students will be able to apply for MCC NEET counselling for MBBS and BDS admission once the NEET UG results 2023 are released. However, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has yet to post the NEET 2023 answer key on the official website, neet.nta.nic.in. Students are encouraged to visit the webpage frequently for updates.

NEET Exam 2023 for Manipur Candidates

In light of the state of law and order in Manipur, the NTA has announced that the NEET exam 2023 will be held for Manipur candidates who did not pass the medical entrance exam. The exam will be held on any date between June 3 and June 5. This move intends to provide worthy Manipur candidates a fair chance to achieve their goals of becoming medical professionals.

BDS Counselling and Seat Availability

The NEET UG counselling for BDS admission will be conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). A total of 26,949 BDS seats are available across the country in 313 government, private, and deemed institutes. Students should be aware that the Dental Council of India (DCI) regulates the BDS curriculum. Before applying for BDS counselling, students should review the DCI’s eligibility criteria, fees, and admission process.

Reservation for Government School Students in Madhya Pradesh

In a landmark move, the Madhya Pradesh government has agreed to reserve 5% of MBBS and BDS seats for students from government schools. This resolution intends to promote equal chances for students from public schools and to close the access gap to high-quality medical education. It is an admirable step towards a more inclusive and varied medical community.

NEET UG 2023 Cut-off: Closing Ranks of Top Medical Colleges

Let us now check the final rankings of top medical colleges for BDS admission in the NEET UG 2023 round 2 MCC AIQ counselling. Students with NEET scores higher than 30,000 were admitted to these colleges. It should be noted that these rankings are subject to change and may differ in later rounds of therapy.

The Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) has cancelled the affiliation of Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) following the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) decision to prohibit the institute from admitting new MBBS students for the academic year 2023-2024. Dr. Nirmal Ouseppachan, Registrar of the University, acknowledged the cancellation of the affiliation, claiming that the medical college failed to meet the standards set by the premier medical education regulating authority. The NMC and a panel from BFUHS both found major shortcomings in CMCH’s faculty, patient load, and infrastructure.

CMCH has glaring deficiencies.

A five-member delegation from Baba Farid University of Health Sciences inspected Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital earlier this year and discovered serious flaws in patient load, faculty, and facilities. According to the panel’s findings, the institute, which had been approved by the NMC the previous year, lacked suitable facilities and presented a threat to the careers of its MBBS students due to a lack of patients, infrastructure, and lecturers. The Punjab Government took note of these issues and brought them to the attention of Anurag Agarwal, the State Additional Chief Secretary of Medical Education and Research.

CMCH EGrave Concerns Have Serious Deficits As stated by the Punjab Government

Anurag Agarwal wrote to the NMC Director, expressing extreme worry about the situation at Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital. He stated that, despite getting NMC permission, the college failed to follow statutory norms and guidelines. In addition to physical concerns, the Additional Chief Secretary raised the issue of the college charging students more than the authorised rates. He emphasised the importance of taking quick action against the college administration to ensure compliance with the NMC’s rules and regulations.

Revocation of Affiliation: Implications for New Admissions

According to a recent Tribune story, the BFUHS has revoked Chintpurni Medical College’s affiliation due to its failure to meet the NMC’s criteria. As a result, the college would be unable to admit new MBBS students for the forthcoming 2023-24 class. Students enrolled in the 2022-2023 batch, on the other hand, would be able to complete their medical studies without interruption. Dr. Sunanda Raina, Principal of the Medical College, claimed that the college has not yet received any official information regarding the cancellation of its affiliation.

FAQs

1- Why did the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences revoke Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital’s affiliation?

A- The affiliation was cancelled because the medical college failed to meet the NMC’s criteria and demonstrated major shortcomings in faculty, patient load, and infrastructure.

2- What were the findings of the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences panel?

A- The panel discovered major flaws in Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital, such as insufficient infrastructure and a shortage of patients, facilities, and teachers, endangering the careers of MBBS students.

3- What are the Punjab Government’s reservations about the medical college?

A- The Punjab Government expressed worry over the college’s noncompliance with statutory norms and guidelines, as well as the issue of charging students more than what was prescribed fees

A Closer Look at the Recent Developments

In the midst of reports of the de-recognition of approximately 140 medical colleges across the country, Dr. Rajeev Sood, a member of the National Medical Commission (NMC), has emphasised that the decision of de-recognition is not final and that the institutions can always appeal before the appropriate authorities. In this article, we’ll look at the recent crackdown on noncompliance with statutory medical education standards, the repercussions for medical schools, and the efforts being done to assure compliance.

The Strike Against Noncompliance

A Summary of the Situation

The main medical regulating authority, NMC, had already de-recognised roughly 40 medical colleges in the last two months due to non-compliance with regulations and shortcomings in faculty and security measures, according to Medical Dialogues. Additionally, approximately 100 other medical establishments are currently under investigation and are likely to face NMC action in the near future.

Derecognition Reasons

The NMC’s action is the result of institutions failing to achieve the established standards and regulations. Delays in faculty appointments, infrastructure, and security measures, such as the installation of CCTV cameras, have all led to these medical institutions’ de-recognition. The NMC is dedicated to maintaining the high quality and standards of medical education in India.

Appeals and the Future

Dr. Rajeev Sood’s guarantee

A member of the NMC, Dr. Rajeev Sood, has told the affected medical colleges that de-recognition is not a final decision. The colleges may appeal the decision to the National Medical Commission or the Union Health Ministry, as allowed for in Sections 28(6), 35(7), and 36(3). Colleges may continue to admit students if they follow the rules and regulations during this procedure.

Compliance and Timeline

Colleges that have received information regarding flaws must expedite the appeal procedure and guarantee compliance before the Supreme Court’s MBBS admissions deadline. Failure to comply may result in re-recognition concerns and the inability of colleges to admit students in the current academic year.

A Summary of Medical Education in India

Seat Availability Statistics

According to government data, 101,043 MBBS seats, 45,471 MD, MS, and PG Diploma seats, and 4,997 DM and MCh seats are available in India’s 660 medical colleges. When compared to before 2014, this suggests a huge rise in medical colleges and seat availability.

Increase in the Number of Medical Colleges and Seats

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the number of medical colleges has increased by 71% from 387 in 2014 to 660 today. Furthermore, from 51,348 before 2014 to 101,043 now, there has been a 97% rise in MBBS seats, with a large number available in both government and private medical colleges. PG and SS seats have also increased by 110%, from a combined total of 31,185 prior to 2014 to 65,335 now.

The college of former Union Minister Sujana Chowdary is facing recognition cancellation.

The Medical Council of India (MCI) has decided to withdraw recognition from Mediciti Medical College, which is controlled by former Union Minister Sujana Chowdary. In addition, the council has issued instructions to halt admissions for the school year 2023-24. This judgement is the consequence of MCI findings of irregularities, resulting in a serious setback for the college and its students.

Irregularities in MCI’s Decision

Admissions to the MBBS programme at Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences have been cancelled for the academic year 2023-24, according to the cancellation order issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The decision was made due to anomalies discovered during the college’s inspection by the MCI. This cancellation is a major setback for both the college management and the prospective medical students who were seeking admission.

History of Mediciti Medical College

Mediciti Medical College is located on the outskirts of Hyderabad near Ghanpur and is connected with Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences in Warangal. Since its inception in 2002, the college has served as a medical education institution for nearly two decades. The huge 40-acre campus has served as a medical education hub, catering to the needs of students from all over the world.

The Effect on Students

The loss of recognition and the suspension of admissions for the academic year 2023-24 have left present and prospective students in an uncertain and worrying situation. The college now has 750 MBBS students and 150 PG students enrolled. The abrupt cancellation has left these students befuddled and has prompted concerns about their future and the authenticity of their degrees.

Clarification at College

In reaction to the MCI’s decision, the administration of Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences has stepped forward to clarify that its recognition was not revoked. The college administration has stated their willingness to collaborate with the MCI to fix any irregularities that may have been discovered. They maintain that the college is still committed to providing its students with high-quality education and training.