Mumbai: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued show cause notices to 198 medical colleges and institutions across the country for failing to comply with mandatory guidelines on stipend disclosures. This includes 115 government and 83 private institutions, underscoring widespread non-compliance within the country’s medical education sector. Of these, Maharashtra alone accounts for 20 defaulters, with 11 government and nine private colleges being flagged for failing to provide the required information. Only Telangana has more number of defaulting colleges, with 12 government and as many private colleges failing to disclose the report to the NMC
The show cause notices stem from a directive by the Supreme Court of India, which mandated transparency in stipend payments to medical interns, postgraduate residents, and senior residents across all medical institutions. The apex court, in its orders dated September 16, 2023, and April 1, 2024, had instructed the NMC to ensure that all colleges submit their stipend details for the financial year 2023-24 and upload monthly updates for 2024-25 onwards.
Despite repeated reminders, many colleges have failed to adhere to these directives. As per the NMC’s notice, these institutions were required to email stipend details for 2023-24 to a designated address and upload monthly reports for subsequent years by the 5th of every month. The commission views this non-compliance as a serious lapse, warranting immediate corrective action.
The show cause notice directs defaulting institutions to explain why punitive measures should not be initiated against them for failing to meet their obligations. It further instructs them to submit the pending stipend data for 2023-24 without delay and ensure compliance within three days from the date of the notice.
Stipend payments are a critical aspect of medical training, ensuring financial support for interns and residents who contribute significantly to patient care in teaching hospitals. By enforcing these disclosure norms directed by the apex court, the NMC aims to protect the rights of medical trainees and maintain equitable standards across institutions.
The failure by nearly 200 medical institutions to provide stipend details not only violates Supreme Court guidelines but also raises questions about the accountability of these colleges in ensuring fair practices. As the deadline for submission looms, it remains to be seen how the defaulters respond to the notice.
