Article Today, Hyderabad: A series of inspections by the National Medical Commission (NMC) has brought to light shocking lapses in private medical colleges across Telangana. From missing faculty to poor hospital facilities, the findings paint a disturbing picture of the state of medical education in the region.
Private Colleges Under the Scanner
Several private medical colleges have been found violating basic norms. Institutions established with commercial intent appear to be cutting corners in every aspect of education. In many cases, the number of teaching staff is far below the required standards, directly affecting the quality of instruction. Students are left struggling without proper guidance or infrastructure.
Shocking Gaps in Faculty Strength
NMC inspections revealed that many colleges lack even 50% of the required faculty. In one college, the shortage stood at 50.87%, and in another, it was 56.8%. The number of resident doctors and tutors was also well below requirement. In some cases, just one professor was shown working in multiple colleges simultaneously, violating staffing norms.
Hospitals Fall Short of Patient Load and Beds
Each college with 150 MBBS seats must have an attached hospital that sees 1,200 out-patient visits daily. However, actual numbers are much lower. One hospital reported only 849 patients, another had 650, and one had just 300. Many are suspected to be using fake patients to show inflated figures. Similarly, bed strength and occupancy are well below acceptable limits. Two institutions reported bed occupancy as low as 9.78% and 12.07%.
Lack of Classrooms and Libraries
Essential academic spaces like lecture halls, exam centres, and libraries are also inadequate. Colleges failed to maintain the mandatory number of books in their libraries—4,500 for institutions with 150 MBBS seats. In some cases, the required physical space for libraries was also lacking, violating clear norms.
Misuse of Faculty and Fake Biometrics
Instances have emerged where one professor has been shown working in multiple institutions. Some assistant professors are being tasked with duties well beyond their roles. A few colleges are even using synthetic biometrics to manipulate attendance records during inspections. Reports suggest that temporary faculty are being brought in just for inspection days.
Basic Facilities Are Missing
As per NMC rules, a college with 150 MBBS seats must have 600 beds, 116 teaching faculty, 76 residents, and separate ICUs for adults and children. However, many colleges lack these critical facilities. Physical medicine and rehabilitation centres are also missing in several colleges. The mandatory RT-PCR lab is absent in most institutions.
Vikarabad College Case Highlights Concerns
At Mahaveer Medical College in Vikarabad, assistant professors reportedly handle all key responsibilities. Postgraduate students complain that classes are not conducted regularly. In some cases, PGs are being ordered to teach MBBS students, with schedules issued to formalize the arrangement.
Students Fear Speaking Out
Students have expressed fear about reporting these irregularities. Many allege that if they speak up or protest, they are penalised with lower marks in practical exams. As a result, most grievances remain unreported. Experts warn that the overall atmosphere is intimidating and suppresses student voices.
Colleges Continue to Evade Rules
Despite past action, many institutions continue to flout NMC norms. Three years ago, Mahaveer Medical College and two others had their admissions cancelled due to lack of infrastructure and faculty. Still, several colleges have not hired adequate staff. Allegations of bribery to gain recognition have also surfaced. In fact, the CBI has already arrested several individuals for bribing NMC officials during recent inspections.
Recognition at Risk for Several Colleges
The NMC recently cancelled recognition for Father Colombo Medical College due to severe non-compliance. Sources say more colleges may face similar action soon. With NMC teams actively inspecting several institutions, private college managements are now scrambling to manage appearances and avoid de-recognition. This exposé raises serious questions about the future of medical education in Telangana. The situation demands strict and transparent corrective action to restore credibility and ensure quality healthcare training for future generations.
