The Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) does not have the necessary infrastructure facilities for MBBS training, as the National Medical Commission (NMC) has warned the Union health ministry. This statement from the NMC was in response to a question from the ministry about the show-cause notice given to the college in 2022 for failing to comply with flaws noted in the evaluation carried out by the former Medical Council of India (MCI) in 2008.
Rule & Regulation Violation at Lady Hardinge Medical College
Due to insufficient infrastructure facilities for MBBS student training, Lady Hardinge Medical College, a Center-run institution, has been deemed to be in breach of the NMC’s rules and regulations. On June 27, the NMC wrote to the health ministry outlining the shortcomings at LHMC. To date, the college has not permitted the MCI’s scheduled evaluations to be conducted in order to confirm the College of Recognition’s (CoR) facilities.
MBBS Seat Growth and Ongoing Inspections
According to the NMC, in order to implement reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBC), the number of MBBS seats at LHMC was increased from 150 to 200 in the academic year 2011–12. The MCI subsequently planned inspections to confirm the CoR facilities at LHMC. However, the college has consistently rejected or delayed these evaluations.
Lady Hardinge Medical College’s Lack of Response and Compliance
LHMC has not responded to the Council/Commission’s numerous communications, despite repeated attempts. The NMC noted that the college’s most recent submission of compliance following the correction of the flaws was made in March 2009. Furthermore, despite the fact that the number of MBBS seats has increased over the past ten years, no assessment has been made to confirm that the medical college and its affiliated hospital have the necessary facilities.
The National Medical Commission’s Function
The NMC made a point of emphasising its part in the advancement and control of all matters pertaining to medical institutions, the medical profession, and medical education. Along with anticipated quantitative expansion, it seeks to advance qualitative advancement in medical education across the nation. According to the Establishment of Medical College Regulations, 1999, the institution may discontinue accepting students into the relevant MBBS programme if the recognition is not punctually renewed.
Redevelopment Plan for Lady Hardinge Medical College
The director of LHMC told the NMC in a correspondence dated July 2, 2022 that a Comprehensive Redevelopment Plan had been started in 2012 to improve the infrastructure capacity for 200 students in accordance with MCI standards. However, the construction work was suspended until February 2019 owing to unanticipated events. The facilities wouldn’t be entirely ready for training and teaching purposes for another eight to nine months, according to the director. With the inspection scheduled for the following academic year, LHMC asked for authorization to continue accepting students for the 2022–2023 academic year.
Position of NMC Regarding Poor Infrastructure at LHMC
According to the LHMC director’s statement, it is clear that there are still not enough training facilities for 240 MBBS students. When medical colleges disregard the NMC’s standards and rules, the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) takes necessary action.
The National Medical Commission has informed Lady Hardinge Medical College of the infrastructure challenges it confronts in providing sufficient training facilities for MBBS students. Concerns have been raised by the college’s failure to remedy shortcomings found in earlier MCI evaluations. LHMC has refused to permit the evaluations, despite a rise in MBBS seats and planned inspections. The NMC emphasises the significance of timely recognition renewal and regulatory observance to guarantee the standard of medical education. To solve the infrastructural gaps, LHMC has proposed a Comprehensive Redevelopment Plan, however extra time is needed for its execution.
To make sure that medical colleges follow the established standards and rules, the NMC will keep an eye on the situation and take the necessary action.
