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.

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.