The Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) has taken strong action in response to the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) recent refusal of recognition for MBBS degree courses. In a proactive effort, the Vice-Chancellor has requested a meeting with the principals of three private medical colleges impacted by the NMC’s decision. This conference, set for Tuesday, intends to deliberate and examine options for restoring these colleges’ recognition and ensuring that MBBS admissions for this year are unaffected.

Intervention of the Governor

The Governor of Kerala, Arif Mohammed Khan, who also serves as Chancellor of the University, inspired this conference. After hearing an appeal from one of the private medical colleges that had lost recognition, the Governor directed the Vice-Chancellor to take action. Recognising the necessity of correcting the inadequacies and appealing the NMC’s decision, the Vice-Chancellor has accepted the Governor’s direction and is attempting to lead the affected colleges through the process of regaining recognition.

Maintaining Medical Education Standards in Medical Colleges of Kerala

The NMC’s decision to withhold certification to three private medical colleges of Kerala was based on a thorough review that revealed various flaws. These inadequacies included a paucity of associate and assistant professors, an insufficient number of tutors and demonstrators, and a lack of senior residents. In addition, flaws such as the adoption of an Aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance system (AEBAS), subpar ways of conducting annual checkups, and non-functioning cameras in the hospital area were identified.

Investigating Restoration Routes  in Medical Colleges of Kerala

The Vice-Chancellor’s meeting will debate and examine possibilities for appealing the NMC’s decision and regaining recognition for the impacted colleges. Each college will be able to address the specific inadequacies identified by the NMC and propose corrective steps to address them. The Vice-Chancellor hopes to help the colleges towards a successful appeal procedure that assures compliance with the NMC’s standards by participating in constructive discourse.

University Assistance and Direct Communication

Aside from the conference, the University will actively support the impacted colleges by interacting directly with the Apex medical commission. On behalf of the colleges, the University will issue a formal letter pressing the NMC to expedite the hearing process. This proactive measure aims to emphasize the importance of the situation and ensure that the restoration of recognition is completed as soon as possible. By immediately interacting with the NMC, the University hopes to protect students’ interests and avoid any negative influence on this year’s MBBS admissions.

Impact on Medical School Seats

The NMC’s refusal to recognise three private medical institutions in Kerala could result in the loss of around 450 MBBS seats in the state. Among the affected institutions are Thrissur’s Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram’s Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Hospital & Medical College, and Thiruvananthapuram’s Sree Gokulam Medical College & Research Foundation. Because of the loss of recognition, Jubilee Mission Medical College has lost 100 medical seats, while each of the other two medical colleges has lost 150 seats.

Seats are being reduced even further.

Separately, the Apex medical education governing body’s UG Board has cut the number of medical seats at Sree Uthradom Thirunal Academy of Medical Sciences (SUTAMS) in Thiruvananthapuram. The institute, located in Kerala’s capital city, has lost 50 of its 100 MBBS seats due to noncompliance with the NMC’s stipulated requirements.

Providing High-Quality Medical Education

The NMC’s actions, including the denial of recognition to certain medical colleges, highlight the critical need of maintaining the highest standards of medical education. The NMC’s inspections are critical for assessing the quality of medical colleges and ensuring they provide an excellent learning environment. To maintain the intended standards, universities must swiftly correct any detected inadequacies. Colleges may file an appeal against the NMC’s decision when they have effectively remedied the identified flaws.

An Increased Regulatory Effort

The denial of recognition to medical institutions in Kerala is part of the NMC’s larger endeavor to ensure conformity with prescribed standards throughout the country. The NMC has already de-recognized roughly 40 medical colleges in the last two months due to non-compliance with the mandated norms. This focus on noncompliance has been accompanied by increased monitoring of approximately 100 other medical institutes, which may face similar penalties if they fail to fulfill the NMC’s criteria.

The Next Steps

While the loss of recognition is obviously a huge blow for the impacted medical institutions, it is crucial to remember that the decision can be challenged. Dr. Rajeev Sood, a member of the NMC, has told medical schools that de-recognition is not rare and that they can appeal the decision. The affected medical colleges in Kerala have a good foundation to navigate the appeals process and work towards recovering their recognition thanks to the Vice-Chancellor’s proactive stance and the University’s support.

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.

The right college is crucial in determining a student’s future in the field of medical education. Unfortunately, recent events have left the future unknown for a number of MBBS graduates from three renowned medical institutes offering MBBS in Uttar Pradesh, India. Concerns have been expressed by students who completed their MBBS degrees at these institutions, which include the Government Allopathic Medical College in Banda, Government Medical College and Super Speciality Hospital in Azamgarh, and Government Medical College in Saharanpur.

Any educational institution’s legitimacy and authenticity, particularly in the field of medicine, are built on recognition. The inability of the aspiring doctors to register with the State Medical Faculty (SMF), as required by the national medical commission (NMC), as a result of these colleges’ lack of recognition, has put them in a difficult situation. Their professional development is hampered without this registration, leaving them with just provisional registration.

The director-general of medical education (DGME), Kinjal Singh, addressed this urgent situation and pledged to swiftly find a solution. The NMC is receiving representations, and a committee has been established to examine the difficulties preventing recognition. The NMC sent a letter to the DGME office outlining the colleges that are still awaiting recognition, including Rajkiya Medical College in Jalaun, whose principal asserts that the recognition issue has been handled.

The effects of this circumstance go beyond the current class of students who earned their MBBS degrees in 2022. The 2018 MBBS batch, which is presently studying for their examinations and is expected to graduate in 2023, is equally worried about the future. The NMC letter emphasizes that the commission and the central government have the right to take the necessary actions in accordance with the law if shortcomings at the aforementioned colleges continue despite careful inspection.

The Azamgarh Medical College’s principal, Dr. RK Sharma, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and gave the assurance that steps were being taken to swiftly address the registration problems. However, more research is necessary to fully understand the significance of registration in this situation.

The Importance of Registration for Medical Graduates: An Understanding

Before MBBS and BDS graduates can start their professional careers or seek higher education, registration with the SMF is crucial. Only those who have graduated from accredited medical and dentistry schools are eligible for this registration. It acts as a doorway for them to start working in Uttar Pradesh, giving them the legitimacy to diagnose patients and recommend effective therapies. Similar to that, they must register according to state law before practicing medicine outside of their own state’s borders. Practicing without registration could result in accusations of unauthorized practice, which could prompt action by the chief medical officer of the relevant district. Failure to get registration could have legal repercussions.

Students devote years of effort, devotion, and money to the pursuit of a lucrative medical career. These three medical colleges’ lack of recognition has jeopardized their hopes and objectives. The government must act quickly to correct the issues so that the impacted students can be properly recognised, registered, and given the chance to support the healthcare system.

As a result,

The difficulties encountered by the medical students who completed their MBBS degrees at the Government Allopathic Medical College in Banda, the Government Medical College and Super Speciality Hospital in Azamgarh, and the Government Medical College in Saharanpur demonstrate the necessity of a thorough and effective recognition procedure within the medical education system. The national government, the NMC, and the educational authorities must work together to quickly adopt decisions and take action that puts the future and welfare of these aspirant doctors first.

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