Major Setback: Loss of Recognition for Four Prominent Medical Colleges in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
In a significant blow to medical education, three renowned colleges in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry have recently lost their recognition for MBBS admission in 2023. Among the affected institutions are the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai, K A P Viswanathan Government Medical College in Trichy, Government Dharmapuri Medical College and Hospital in Tamil Nadu, and the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (IGMC & RI) in Puducherry.
The decision to penalize these colleges was made by the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB), citing deficiencies in the Aadhaar-based biometric attendance system and the functionality of surveillance cameras installed on campus. However, there is a ray of hope for these institutions, as they can appeal the decision before the National Medical Commission.
UGMEB Director, Shambhu Sharan Kumar, expressed dissatisfaction with the response provided by the college authorities regarding the identified deficiencies in biometric attendance and surveillance cameras. In a letter addressed to the college deans, Kumar announced the withdrawal of recognition due to unsatisfactory compliance.
Discussions are underway with the health secretary to rectify the situation and implement effective systems within the colleges. Dr. R Shanti Malar, the Director of Medical Education in Tamil Nadu, assured that measures would be taken to ensure the uninterrupted admission of new students to these colleges. It is worth noting that all colleges have already implemented biometric attendance systems. However, the UGMEB demands that faculty absences, even for scheduled weekly offs and leaves, be registered through these machines. Some colleges are also facing challenges with dysfunctional cameras or changes in camera angles caused by weather conditions.
In Puducherry, assessors conducted a virtual assessment during the final MBBS practical examinations in April of the previous year, followed by a physical verification of facilities in January. The evaluation uncovered deficiencies in the Aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance system, hospital management information system (HMIS) data, and CCTV footage. Considering the college authorities’ responses and careful evaluation of compliance, the UGMEB concluded that the IGMC & RI in Puducherry fails to meet the minimum requirements for faculty and resident doctors on the Aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance system and camera installations.
Consequently, the UGMEB disapproved the application for the continuation of MBBS degree recognition (150 seats) awarded by Pondicherry University for the students undergoing training at IGMC & RI in Puducherry. Shambhu Sharan Kumar explicitly stated the reasons for the disapproval in the letter, highlighting the deficiencies in faculty and camera-related aspects.
This development poses a significant setback for medical education in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, raising concerns about the quality and compliance of these institutions. The opportunity to appeal before the National Medical Commission offers a potential avenue for the colleges to regain recognition and restore their ability to admit MBBS students in the future.
In conclusion, the loss of recognition for these prominent medical colleges underscores the urgent need to address the deficiencies identified by the UGMEB. By actively working towards rectification, implementing robust systems, and ensuring compliance with regulations, these institutions can regain their standing, uphold educational standards, and continue making valuable contributions to the healthcare system.
