40 Medical Colleges Lose Recognition, 100 More Under Radar In These States

New Delhi: Forty medical colleges across the country have been de-recognised over the last two months for not following standards set by National Medical Commission (NMC).

Not just that, around 100 more medical colleges in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Assam, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry and West Bengal are likely to face the same fate, PTI reported quoting official sources.

The deficiencies in each medical college were pointed out during an inspection carried out by NMC’s Undergraduate Medical Education Board.

Non-compliance and lapses were related to CCTV cameras, Aadhaar-linked biometric attendance procedures and faculty rolls.

Ironically, the Central government has been taking several steps to increase number of medical seats in the country, include a centrally-sponsored scheme to establish new medical colleges by upgrading district/referral hospitals.

The number of medical colleges in India has increased significantly since 2014, as per government data.

Union Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar told Rajya Sabha that number of medical colleges has increased from 387 before 2014 to 654 presently.

There has been a 94% increase in MBBS seats (51,348 before 2014 to 99,763) and 107% rise in PG seats (31,185 before 2014 to 64,559).

Derecognition of so many colleges, however, will bring down the number significantly and may trigger a crisis.