NMC asks states to deploy PG medical students in flood-hit northern states under DRP training

As northern states continue to receive heavy rainfall, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all states and Union Territories to deploy postgraduate (PG) medical students in flood-affected areas.

The statutory body has instructed nodal officers of the district residency programmes for postgraduates to do such postings of students undergoing DRP training as per the requirement.

The District Residency Programme (DRP) for post-graduate medical students provides an opportunity to understand the healthcare needs of people at the field level.

The commission noted that there is an urgent requirement for healthcare professionals as part of the ongoing relief measures.

“This initiative will not only provide much-needed healthcare services at the field level but will also enable young medical professionals to gain meaningful experience in disaster response, public health management, and community service, thereby enhancing their overall training,” it said.

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Northern states flood crisis

The ministry of home affairs has also appealed for healthcare services to be strengthened through available resources, and several post-graduate doctors have expressed their willingness to volunteer their services.

Considering the unique opportunity for both learning and service, the National Medical Commission recognizes this as a valuable component of postgraduate training. Accordingly, the deployment of post-graduate medical students in the flood/disaster-affected areas of northern States/UTs shall be considered as part of the District Residency Programme training.

The northern states — Jammu and Kashmir , Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Delhi — are grappling with incessant rainfall, widespread floods, landslides, and severe infrastructure damages. Punjab , which saw the worst floods in decades, has announced to open the schools for students from September 9. Schools have been instructed to open tomorrow for inspection and cleaning.

The Yamuna river in the national capital has crossed the danger mark flooding residential colonies and disrupting transport and essential services.