‘Adhere strictly to regulations’: NMC again warns medical colleges forcing students to stay in hostels

NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has once again warned the medical colleges of action for forcing postgraduate medical students to stay in provided hostels. The commission directed medical institutions to strictly follow the guidelines listed in the PG Medical Education Regulations (PGMER).

NMC’s directive came after the medical commission received several new complaints by students despite warning to college earlier this month. The commission had previously warned colleges of actions against them such as monetary penalty, reduction of seats, and stoppage of admissions for forcing students. As per the regulations, while colleges are supposed to provide accommodation, it is not mandatory for students to stay in the facility.

“In a recent public notice, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has addressed concerns regarding hostel accommodation for post-graduate medical students. The notice highlights regulation 5.6 of the Post Graduation Medical Education Regulation (PGMER), 2023, which mandates colleges to provide suitable residential accommodation to post-graduate students. However, it emphasizes that it is not obligatory for the students to reside in these hostels,” NMC explained in an official statement.

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The commission went on to say that despite the clear directions, it received complaints from students alleging that they were being forced by colleges to stay in the designated hostels charging a huge amount of money. NMC reiterated that this is against the regulations.

“In response to these grievances, the NMC directs all medical colleges and institutes to adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the aforementioned regulation. Failure to comply may result in punitive actions, including penalties, reduction of seats, or suspension of admissions, as outlined in regulations 9.1 and 9.2 of the PGMER, 2023,” NMC stated.

As per 9.1 and 9.2 regulations of PGMER, not only would NMC issue warnings, impose monetary penalty of less than Rs 1 crore, reduce seats, and stop admissions for violating the rules, it would also withhold the accreditation process and may withdraw the permission of the college.