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.