The Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has demanded explanations from four medical colleges concerning accusations of unpaid stipends to postgraduate (PG) medical students. Among the institutions under scrutiny is Uttar Pradesh-based Subharti Medical College, which faces allegations of non-payment and mental harassment of students.
The National President of the United Doctors' Front Association (UDFA), Dr. Lakshya Mittal, urged the NMC to ensure proper follow-up on these cases to safeguard the interests of postgraduate students.
Alongside Subharti Medical College, three Udaipur-based institutions – Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Pacific Medical College and Hospital, and Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences – have also been asked to submit documentary evidence regarding the payment of stipends. The NMC issued a notice to these Udaipur institutes on August 7, granting them 15 days to respond.
Allegations of Stipend Deductions and Mental Harassment
The students at Subharti Medical College accused the college’s administration of unfairly deducting 40-50% of their monthly stipend for submitting thesis-related work and non-completion of inpatient case files. They also alleged the imposition of heavy fines for minor infractions, further reducing their stipends. These claims have raised serious concerns about the exploitation and mental well-being of postgraduate medical students.
In a specific case, the NMC highlighted the departure of a resident doctor from the Department of Radio-Diagnosis, allegedly due to mistreatment and an unfriendly environment. Responding to the NMC’s letter, Subharti Medical College refuted these claims in its response on July 4, 2024, stating that the accusations were baseless.
Subharti Medical College's Defense
Subharti Medical College defended its actions, claiming that thesis-related expenses are shared between the college and students, and that no arbitrary deductions were made. Regarding the case sheets, the college explained that writing and submitting these documents are crucial to PG training. It further claimed that stipends were only temporarily withheld if students failed to submit their work, and that these stipends were released upon completion of the required tasks.
Additionally, the college stated that fines were imposed only in cases of gross negligence and were in line with university policies. It also emphasized that students had access to grievance redressal mechanisms and could appeal disciplinary decisions.
The college dismissed claims that any resident left the program due to mistreatment and pointed out that a case related to stipend payments was pending before the Supreme Court.
UDFA's Demand for Stronger Measures
Dr. Lakshya Mittal applauded the NMC’s quick response but stressed the importance of rigorous follow-up to ensure justice for students. He warned that failure to act against offending institutions could perpetuate such exploitative practices. Dr. Mittal called for strict penalties, including the cancellation of seat recognition and imposing hefty fines on guilty colleges, to prevent further exploitation of students.
He emphasized that protecting the financial well-being of PG medical students was critical to securing the future of healthcare professionals in the country.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)
