NMC Announces Rs 1 Crore Fine On Medical Colleges If Found Violating Norms

Medical institutions will also face penalties if they attempt to exert pressure on NMC officials through intermediaries or external agencies.

National Medical Council (NMC) (File Photo) ( Image Source :nmc.org.in )

The National Medical Council (NMC) has implemented stringent measures for medical colleges failing to adhere to statutory provisions, regulations, and minimum standards. The NMC has introduced a substantial penalty of Rs 1 crore per violation in cases of non-compliance. Additionally, a fine of Rs 5 lakh will be imposed on institutions whose faculties are found to have submitted false documents. These regulations, officially titled the 'Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023' (MSMER-2023), were officially released on September 27. They encompass guidelines pertaining to annual disclosure reports of medical institutions, assessment procedures, adherence to regulatory directives, and penalties applicable for breaches of these regulations.

The NMC has stated that it will suspend the processing of all applications originating from medical colleges that attempt to exert influence on the commission through intermediaries or external entities. The primary objective of the MSMER-2023 regulations is to ensure the seamless execution of the NMC's functions, particularly in upholding the high standards of medical education.

As per these regulations, medical colleges are mandated to submit an "annual disclosure report" to the respective board within the NMC. This report must serve as evidence of adherence to the Minimum Standard Regulations (MSRs) established by either the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) or the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), as well as the rules set forth by the NMC. In the course of their evaluation, the UGMEB and PGMEB may request additional information for assessment, which must be promptly provided within 30 days from the date of the request.

The evaluation process conducted by the NMC boards encompasses the verification of physical infrastructure, faculty qualifications, the availability of clinical resources, teaching methodologies, assessment procedures, student grading systems, student feedback mechanisms, and other criteria pertinent to medical education standards. Failure to furnish the required information or address any discrepancies within the stipulated timeframe will be considered a breach of the regulations, and corresponding penalties will be imposed.

Medical colleges that successfully meet the requirements set by the UGMEB or PGMEB will receive a renewal certificate, enabling them to continue offering courses and admitting students for the upcoming academic year.