Risk of de-recognition looms over 150 medical collages for poor facilities

New Delhi: The risk of losing recognition reportedly looms over approximately 150 medical colleges across the country due to poor facilities and their non-compliance with the regulatory rules of the National Medical Commission (NMC).

The NMC's Undergraduate Medical Education Board conducted an extensive inspection over the course of a month, revealing alarming deficiencies in several institutions. The inspection focused on critical areas such as CCTV camera installations, flaws in Aadhaar-linked biometric attendance systems, and faculty rolls.

It was discovered that numerous colleges were not adhering to the prescribed criteria, including improper camera functioning and installation, malfunctioning biometric facilities, and a significant number of vacant faculty positions.

Already, 40 medical colleges have lost their recognition due to similar violations and must now demonstrate compliance with set standards to regain their accreditation. The list of institutions currently under the NMC's scrutiny includes medical colleges located in Gujarat, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Tripura, and West Bengal, as reported by sources.

Affected medical colleges will have the option to appeal the de-recognition decision. The initial appeal can be made to the NMC within 30 days, and if unsuccessful, colleges can further approach the Union Ministry of Health.

However, the potential de-recognition of 150 institutions could trigger a severe crisis, as the country has long faced a shortage of medical colleges and seats to accommodate aspiring medical students.