@Indian__Doctor, A Health Activist on X, recently shared a public directive by the National Medical Council (NMC) addressing the hostel accommodation regulations for post graduate medical students. In his post on X he wrote, "Private Medical Colleges can't force resident doctors to live in hostels".
This directive came in response to the number of complaints submitted by PG medical students across various Indian Colleges, alleging forced hostel residency mandated by college authorities and excessive hostel leaving charges. The NMC further mentioned the regulation 5.6 of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER), 2023 stating,
It is mandatory for medical colleges to provide appropriate residential accommodation to post graduate students. However, it will not be mandatory for post graduate students to stay in the hostel.Regulation 5.6 of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER), 2023
Noncompliance with the aforementioned regulations has been warned by NMC as grounds for monetary penalty, seats reduction and suspension of further admissions, according to the regulations 9.1 and 9.2 of the PGMER, 2023. Considering this can be a major dent on a medical institutions' reputation and accreditation status, NMC has ensured the prescribed guidelines are followed stringently nationwide.
This initiative from the National Medical Council empowers numerous medical students across the country by providing them autonomy over their living arrangements. Given the demanding schedules, erratic working hours and high levels of stress that medical professionals face, this provides a much-needed relief from the inadequate hostel conditions that would otherwise be an extra load of stress and anxiety. Such student centered initiatives promote transparency and fairness and bring about a positive impact on the mental well being of individuals. A balanced and supportive environment through improved regulations and management is not only welcome but essential as it ensures that the future healthcare providers can focus on their education and duties without undue stress. This is a bold example of how even small initiatives can have an enormous positive impact, especially in a country like India where medical students are often unheard. This paves way for a more compassionate and efficient healthcare system where a 'Swasth Bharat' is also a 'Just Bharat', ensuring the voices of doctors are heard and respected.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Chhavi Garg/MSM)