NMC holds meeting on mental health, FORDA appeals for bond policy, uniform salaries, more leave

NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission’s (NMC) National Task Force on mental health and well-being of medical students held a meeting, in hybrid mode, with the student associations, students, and parents. Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) appealed for uniform salaries and stipends, bond-free medical education, and expedition of mental health mobile application for swift redressal of grievances.

The task force had earlier asked all the stakeholders to submit their interest and concerns on medical education by May 25, 2024, through Google form. FORDA thanked the officials for including the students group and stakeholders in almost all the major policy decision making.

In the meeting, the students association highlighted the MBBS bond policy followed by most of the states in India. As per this policy, MBBS graduates will have to complete mandatory rural service and sign a bond at the time of admission. If they fail to complete the terms in the bond, they are fined as much as Rs 30 lakh.

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They also demanded uniform salaries and stipends across all states and more leave and vacations for PG students. Medicos have been requesting a more structured approach to deal with the mental health issues raised. Students’ suicide, long working hours, bullying, and ragging are some of the most reported issues. Taking this into consideration, the students group requested to expedite the process to launch a mental health mobile application for swift redressal of grievances.

The stakeholders also discussed maternity benefits for female PG students and streamlining the biometric attendance system among others.

In April, the task force conducted an online survey of both medical students and faculty across medical colleges in India to learn more about mental health issues. The NMC also launched a "My Health, My Rights" initiative to address healthcare challenges faced by medical students and professionals on the World Health Day 2024.