SC orders all-India audit of pvt & deemed universities Focus On Structural Opacity & Examining Role Of Regulatory Bodies

SC orders all-India audit of pvt & deemed universities Focus On Structural Opacity & Examining Role Of Regulatory Bodies

 

Manash.Gohain@timesofindia.com New Delhi : 28.11.2025

Supreme Court has ordered an unprecedented nationwide audit of all private and deemed universities, transforming a student grievance into a deep scrutiny of India’s sprawling higher education sector. In a sweeping directive, apex court has asked Centre, all states and UTs, and University Grants Commission (UGC) to submit personally sworn affidavits disclosing how these institutions were set up, who governs them, what regulatory approvals they hold, and whether they truly function on a notfor-profit basis. 

The move comes in response to a petition filed by a student of Amity University, Ayesha Jain, who alleged the institution harassed and barred her from attending classes after she legally changed her name. What began as a single case of administrative apathy has now turned into a judicial inquisition into the governance and financial practices of the entire private university ecosystem. 

Supreme Court’s focus is clear — expose the structural opacity and examine whether regulatory bodies like UGC have adequately performed their role. Past interventions show this isn’t unfamiliar terrain. In 2005, the court struck down Chhattisgarh Private Universities Act that had allowed over 100 shell institutions to operate without basic academic infrastructure. 

In 2009, a central review found 44 deemed universities unfit for their status due to poor academic and governance standards. In 2017, a Supreme Court verdict invalidated engineering degrees awarded via unapproved distance mode by deemed universities and barred them from conducting such courses without clear regulatory approval. This current review cuts deeper. It questions how private universities acquire land, appoint leadership, handle finances, and whether they have credible grievance redressal mechanisms.

 The demand for personal accountability — from chief secretaries to the UGC chairperson — signals judicial impatience with the status quo. A UGC official, on condition of anonymity, acknowledged: “There have been longstanding compliance gaps. This is a chance to restore public trust.” The official added that in the current case, the commission “in fact recommended the university to consider the name change request”. 

Private universities, many of which operate under different state and central laws, are rattled. “This is a sweeping brush,” said a vice chancellor of a reputed state private university. “We support transparency, but we also fear being tarred with the same brush as a few errant institutions.” Observers see timing in the court’s action. Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, intended to overhaul regulation and merge UGC, AICTE, and others under one roof, is expected in the upcoming Parliament session.

 “An issue concerning a private university legislated by state law is now expanded to rope in all private deemed universities governed by separate regulations under a central law. In a similar exercise, in 2017 in the case of Orissa Lift case, an issue concerning four deemed universities affected all in an irreversible manner. With HECI round the corner, it is hoped that the present issue finds a policy solution through HECI Bill,” said an academic policy expert.

Scalpel losing edge: Few medical grads opt for surgery

Scalpel losing edge: Few medical grads opt for surgery 

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesofindia.com 

New Delhi : India’s top-performing medical graduates have made their preference clear in this year’s NEET-PG counselling — career stability is trumping the operating table. In the first round of NEET-PG 2025, medicine and radiology dominated choices among high-rankers while general surgery saw one of its steepest drops in recent years, reflecting growing concerns over stress, long training pathways and mounting medico-legal pressures. 

Among the first 1,500 candidates, 632 (42%) chose MD General Medicine and 447 (30%) opted for MD Radiodiagnosis. Only 99 students (6.6%) selected MS General Surgery, indicating a widening shift away from high-risk procedural fields. A strong preference for Delhi also emerged, with six of the top 10 candidates choosing Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. 

Dr Neeraj Nischal from the department of medicine at AIIMS said, “MD Medicine is the gateway to almost all superspecialities, so it has always been in high demand. Students feel diagnostics offers a more controlled work life, though that may not always be true.” The fall in interest for surgery, senior clinicians say, is rooted in deeper anxieties. “Surgical branches are very demanding — you need passion. Otherwise, burnout is inevitable,” Dr Nischal said. 

Surgeons themselves acknowledge that the field has steadily lost appeal. “It takes much longer to settle down because general surgery is only the first step — you usually need to super-specialise in neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, urology or paediatric surgery,” said Dr Piyush Ranjan from AIIMS surgery department.

Hidden costs increase PG medical course fee past ₹16 lakh cap at universities in TN UPTO ₹75 LA YEAR

Hidden costs increase PG medical course fee past ₹16 lakh cap at universities in TN UPTO ₹75 LA YEAR 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  22.11.2025

Chennai : Deemed universities across Tamil Nadu have increased tuition fees for postgraduate medical courses, with some setting it at ₹75 lakh a year, taking the threeyear fee tally for highdemand clinical courses to ₹2.2 crore. Health department officials said attempts to cap the fee according to Madras high court’s direction failed, as matters are pending in court. While deemed universities display the total fee on their admission brochures, self-financing medical colleges and state private medical universities conceal it. 

The fee-fixation committee capped the 2025 tuition fee for clinical and non-clinical courses at ₹16 lakh towards tuition fees at selffinancing colleges. But candidates say they are asked to pay up to ₹35 lakh, citing rising costs of hospital operations, hostel maintenance, mess, and transport costs. “We won’t know the cost until we go to the colleges with allotment letters,” said a doctor waiting for admissions to a postgraduate course. Directorate of medical education officials say this happened in undergraduate education in 2025. At least 50 undergraduate medical students, who were allotted seats in self-financing medical colleges and state private universities in 2025, have written to the state selection committee complaining that colleges are demanding higher fees, officials said. “There is no syntax. I was asked to pay ₹8 lakh more by the committee for management quota in one college during my son’s admission. My friend was asked to pay ₹10 lakh in another college,” said Shankar R. They paid the fees not just because they could afford it, but also because they did not want to forfeit deposits in the third round.

 While in the first two rounds of counselling, students are allowed a “free exit” where they are not punished for not taking the seat allotted to them, students must forfeit the security deposit of ₹1.3 lakh. If they download admit cards, they lose the first-year tuition fee of ₹16 lakh. Despite this, candidates withdrew from the third round. “One candidate was confident of taking the seat. He downloaded the admit card after paying ₹15 lakh. When they went to the college, they were asked to pay ₹8 lakh more. Nowhere was this fee mentioned. 

They have no budget,” said student counsellor Manickavel Arumugam. “Sometimes it seems like the deemed university method is better as there is no hidden fee. Parents opt for it if they can afford it,” he said. The family, he said, has filed a complaint with the selection committee for violation of fee committee norms. Directorate of medical education officials said they will forward complaints to the fee committee headed by Justice R Pongaiappan. On Thursday, the judge told TOI that according to the GO, his term has ended. “The complaints will be dealt with by my successor,” he said. Parents are upset. “By the time they appoint a new committee, this admission season would have ended,” said Saravanakumar K, a parent.

Govt doctors protest redeployment, demand more appointments in TN

Govt doctors protest redeployment, demand more appointments in TN 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 12.11.2025

Chennai : Govt doctors across the state on Tuesday held a protest, wearing black badges, raising slogans, and distributing pamphlets asking health department to appoint more doctors instead of redeploying them and forcing post-graduate medical students to work. “The govt has not created posts for newly opened hospitals in several places,” said govt doctors’ association president Dr K Senthil. “No doctors, nurses, or staff were appointed to run these hospitals. Doctors are forced to do double duty and this drastically affects patient care,” he said. While this has been happening for nearly two years, the trigger for Tuesday’s protest was a Nov 4 circular from the director of medical education Dr Suganthy Rajakumari asking deans of medical colleges to direct junior residents to attend transfer counselling. “Officials said a proposal was sent to remove the post of junior residents for service doctors. Post-graduate medical students will work as junior residents and qualified PG doctors will be moved to posts in newer hospitals. How can students take the place of doctors,” asked service and post graduate doctors association general secretary Dr A Ramalingam. Dr Suganthy Rajakumari said the govt was looking at relocating doctors from some medical colleges. “We are looking at increasing 500 PG seats in govt colleges. Staff from some hospitals are being relocated and posted as assistant professors so we fulfil basic requirements of the National Medical Commission,” she said. Deans have been asked to ensure staff strength in all hospitals meets norms prescribed by NMC. “If that is the case, bed strength should be 250, not 750 or 1,000,” said Dr Ramalingam. “Bed strength and outpatient flow have been increasing at all hospitals. The govt must increase strength, not decrease. Doctors treat patients, not beds or buildings,” he said. Doctors’ associations said there are about 12,000 doctors in govt medical colleges as against a requirement of 24,000. In addition to teaching and treating patients, doctors are forced to work in health camps, attend VIP convoy duty, sit for a medical board, and do court duties, said democratic govt doctors association president Dr P Balakrishnan.

Docs warn against relying on AI tools for med advice

Docs warn against relying on AI tools for med advice 

Ajay.Tomar@timesofindia.com 10.11.2025

Hyderabad : Doctors in Hyderabad have cautioned people against relying solely on artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT for medical advice. They emphasised that patients, especially those with chronic or serious health conditions, must always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to medication, diet, or treatment plans. 

The warning comes after at least two alarming incidents were recently reported in the city. In the first case, a 30-year old woman who had undergone a kidney transplant under the Jeevandan programme at the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) lost her transplanted kidney after discontinuing her prescribed antibiotics based on ChatGPT’s suggestion.

 “The woman, who had been on dialysis for seven years before the transplant, reportedly stopped all her medication after ChatGPT told her that since her creatinine levels were normal, she no longer needed the drugs,” said Dr Sree Bhushan Raju, senior nephrologist, NIMS. 

Within weeks, her condition deteriorated, and her creatinine levels spiked again. She eventually required surgery and had to be put back on dialysis before being discharged recently. “We are seeing a worrying trend where even educated patients are relying on AI-generated advice instead of consulting doctors,” said Dr Mohd Taif, another senior nephrologist. 

Similar patterns Doctors said similar patterns are being noticed among the elderly as well, with many seeking advice on medicines or dosage changes from ChatGPT despite being advised otherwise by their doctors. “This over-reliance on AI is becoming a dangerous habit,” said Dr Taif. In another incident, a 62year-old diabetic man from the city suffered sudden weight loss and dangerously low sodium levels after following a diet plan suggested by ChatGPT. 

The AI tool had advised him to completely reduce salt intake, which proved harmful given his pre-existing condition. “These incidents show that while AI can provide general information, it lacks the clinical judgment and contextual understanding that a trained doctor brings,” said Dr K Rakesh, a senior govt nephrologist. 

In Aug this year, a 60-year-old man from New York was reportedly hospitalised after following a ChatGPTgenerated diet plan that advised him to replace all table salt (sodium chloride) with sodium bromide, a toxic substance. “People are starting to believe that ChatGPT is superior to doctors, but no AI can match the intellect, intuition, and experience of a medical professional,” said Dr Raju.

Doc’s post against clerical staff exposes deep-rooted corruption in health dept

Doc’s post against clerical staff exposes deep-rooted corruption in health dept

 Pushpa.Narayan@timesofindia.com 09.11.2025

Chennai : A social media post by urologist Dr Jaison Philip accusing clerical staff in the state health department of corruption went viral on Saturday. This prompted associations of govt doctors, who rallied behind him, to say corruption and maladministration have affected not only their salaries and promotions but also patient care in govt hospitals across the state. 

Dr Philip, who works at Madras Medical College, posted an image of his payslip, saying he was receiving a gross salary of ₹1.6 lakh instead of at least ₹2.5 lakh because of ‘clerical corruption’. “As a rule, I never give bribes, so I suffer,” he wrote. Later, he added that “topmost powerful bureaucrats met/rang me and talked kindly. They said they will ensure anomalies will be corrected and justice done.” This, however, is not Dr Philip’s first such allegation. In Sept, he said that clerical staff at Government Royapettah Hospital — a clerk and an office superintendent — demanded bribes of ₹1,000 and ₹2,000, respectively, to forward his service register after his transfer to Madras Medical College. 

He claimed he faced such harassment from clerks in the health department for nearly three decades. Following his post, health minister Ma Subramanian promised action, and some staff were transferred. On Saturday, several associations of govt doctors said corruption and maladministration in the department affected beyond delayed salaries. 

They cited instances of long-pending settlements for doctors who died in service and delays in processing pensions for those retiring. While the family of a doctor who died in 2014 is still awaiting settlement, another doctor who retired in Feb 2024 is waiting for the admin department to forward his papers for the rollout of a monthly pension. Service doctors and postgraduates association blamed the heads of institutions for failing to ensure the timely disbursement of payments to faculty and postgraduate doctors. “There are no regular grievance meetings to resolve issues in a time-bound manner. Deans themselves complain of pending salaries when we raise such matters,” said the association’s state organizing secretary Dr A Ramalingam.

Docs design stent that costs less and may work better Engages, Retracts Clots From Blocked Brain Arteries Enabling Better Recovery

Docs design stent that costs less and may work better Engages, Retracts Clots From Blocked Brain Arteries Enabling Better Recovery 

Nandini.Sengupta@timesofindia.com 05.11.2025

Stroke stents are a critical medical solution, but they are also a pricey alternative. Now, JIPMER Puducherry has completed clinicals trials of mechanical thrombectomy or clot removal using a locally made device stent retriever. “We call it Supernova. It is expected to cost one-third of well-known international products,” says Dr Sunil Narayan, professor & head, department of neurology at JIPMER.

 The stent, he adds, first engages and then retracts clots from within blocked brain arteries enabling better recovery of patients. “The first generation of catheters were aspiration catheters, the second generation were stents and now the third generation are a combination of the two.” Designed and patented by Indian-origin engineers and interventional radiologists in the US (centrally directed by an Indian-origin professor from the University of Miami) and manufactured by Gravity in the USA and Irills Gurutva in Hyderabad, the Supernova is a “revascularization device”. “It is a self-expanding, laser cut stent retriever composed of nitinol, a nickel and titanium alloy that is super elastic which makes it ideal for medical devices. 

The Supernova stent has small implantable components that increase visibility under scans,” says Dr Narayan. Apart from clinical trials at JIPMER Puducherry, the Supernova device has been used to treat stroke patients in Pakistan and Thailand as part of clinical trials. It will be manufactured in India from next month. The trial results were submitted to the drug controller general of India (DCGI) in Aug 2024 and have received approval for sales. The trial results were also presented at the World Stroke Congress in Barcelona last week. “The

aim is to manufacture in India and make it available at low cost to lower income countries where the stroke burden is even higher,” says Dr Narayan. “The country’s contribution to more affordable treatment of stroke patients is well-established because of the Tenecteplase thrombolysis drug, a biosimilar made in India which is as efficient and a bit safer (than international options). It became the standard of stroke therapy first in Indian govt institutes and now in private hospitals,” says Dr Nararan. The drug is also being exported to several foreign countries

2-min scan at govt hosp for ₹500 helps detect heart disease

2-min scan at govt hosp for ₹500 helps detect heart disease

 Ramyasre.N@timesofindia.com 05.11.2025

Chennai : If you're under 40, have pre-existing health conditions and feel a slight discomfort around your heart, doctors now recommend a quick two-minute CT scan. The non-invasive diagnostic test that uses CT imaging to detect and measure calcium deposits in the heart vessels. This can help evaluate the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attacks. 

The department of radiology at the TN Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital launched the facility recently. The scan is priced at ₹500, while its equivalent in private hospitals costs at least three times more. A calcium score below 100 is normal, 100-400 indicates mild risk, and above 400 signals severe disease needing immediate care. “The calcium scan is a preliminary test and can be followed by ECG, ECHO, or coronary angiogram for detailed diagnosis,” said Dr J Chezhian, head of radiology. 

The test, previously done on a need basis, was made a standalone service for two reasons, says head of cardiology Dr Mary Majella: “It helps patients who can’t undergo treadmill tests due to disability or hypertension. Also, we’ve seen a sharp rise in heart disease after COVID.” A five-year study from 2018 to 2023 by the hospital’s cardiology department found 10,842 cases of serious coronary disease, including 2,457 patients aged between 18 and 45. “Before COVID, around 300 young patients were reported each year. In 2021, it rose to 480, and in 2022, to 564,” said Dr Majella. Patients are already visiting from outside TN. “In Tirupati, I was quoted ₹7,000 for the same test. Here, including travel, I spent less than ₹2,000,” said one patient

Who can teach in India’s medical colleges? NMC’s new rules redraw the faculty line

Who can teach in India’s medical colleges? NMC’s new rules redraw the faculty line 

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued detailed clarifications on the Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025, effective June 30. The FAQs outline eligibility norms for Senior Consultants, Professors, Associate Professors, and Assistant Professors, addressing experience criteria, transitional provisions, and equivalence across specialties to ensure uniform, transparent, and merit-based faculty recruitment nationwide.

TOI Education

Nov 1, 2025, 14:03 IST

Who can teach in India’s medical colleges? NMC’s new rules redraw the faculty line 

The National Medical Commission (NMC) on Friday released detailed clarifications responding to stakeholder queries over the recently notified Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025, which came into force on 30 June 2025. In an official communication, the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) under the NMC stated that several stakeholders had sought clarity on provisions related to eligibility, experience, and recognition of faculty designations during the transition phase. 

The Commission has now released a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), providing point-by-point explanations to ensure uniform interpretation and compliance. Applicability and transitional provisions The regulations are effective from the date of their publication, June 30, 2025. During the transition period, the NMC will recognise continuous, full-time experience of three years in specific institutions and departments dedicated to new specialties. Eligible experience will include: Full-time work in departments of NMC-recognised medical colleges or teaching medical institutions with dedicated infrastructure for the new specialty.

Tenure at nationally recognised institutions such as AIIMS, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru, JIPMER Puducherry, and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute, Thiruvananthapuram. Experience in NBEMS-accredited institutes and other reputed national or international institutions approved by the NMC based on specific assessment. 

Criteria for Senior Consultant, Professor, and Associate Professor 

As per the new framework, a senior consultant will be defined as a specialist working in an NBEMS-accredited department of a government institute who meets the board’s prescribed qualifications and experience to function as a postgraduate teacher. Such candidates must also provide an official experience certificate from their institution when seeking appointment as Professor in any medical college. 

To qualify as a Professor, an individual must have at least three years of postgraduate teaching experience after becoming eligible as a Senior Consultant and PG teacher in the same specialty. Similarly, those with cumulative 10 years of post-PG experience in government hospitals with a capacity of at least 220 beds will be eligible for the post of Associate Professor, provided they complete the mandatory courses in medical education and biomedical research within two years of appointment. 

Assistant Professor eligibility Under Note 3(c) of Table E, any registered medical practitioner with a recognised postgraduate qualification and two years of cumulative experience in a government hospital with a minimum of 220 beds will be eligible to become an Assistant Professor, even without a prior one-year Senior Residency in a medical college. 

Additionally, diploma holders appointed as Senior Residents before June 8, 2017, can be considered for the Assistant Professor post after completing four years of experience in an NMC-recognised teaching institution. Practitioners with diploma qualifications and six years of post-diploma experience in recognised teaching medical institutions will also qualify for the role. Special provisions for emergency medicine 

In a notable provision, the NMC clarified that faculty members from General Surgery, Anaesthesia, Respiratory Medicine, Orthopaedics, and General Medicine may directly be appointed as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor in Emergency Medicine based on their cumulative teaching experience in their respective specialties. Their prior experience will also count towards promotion to administrative posts. Super Specialty faculty equivalence 

As per the footnote of Table F, any faculty member possessing a super specialty qualification and serving in a recognised medical institution under a broad specialty department will be eligible for an equivalent position in the concerned super specialty department. Those engaged in teaching within departments that act as feeder specialities will also be considered for such appointments. Ensuring Uniform Implementation The NMC has urged all medical colleges, government hospitals, and teaching institutions to “take action accordingly” and adhere strictly to the clarified framework. 

The Commission stated that the intent of these regulations is to ensure transparency, uniformity, and merit-based faculty recruitment across India’s expanding network of medical education institutions. Officials familiar with the matter said the move comes amid a broader push to align Indian medical education standards with global best practices while ensuring career progression opportunities for qualified practitioners from government setups and NBEMS-accredited institutions. With the clarifications now in place, the NMC expects smoother implementation of the 2025 faculty qualification norms, a move widely seen as pivotal in strengthening India’s medical education and healthcare delivery ecosystem.

Repeated delays in NEET PG counselling disrupt academic cycle, burdening resident docs

Repeated delays in NEET PG counselling disrupt academic cycle, burdening resident docs 

Experts warn that unless the schedule is streamlined and accountability is fixed, the ripple effects will continue to affect the postgraduate training cycle year after year

Sonal.Srivastava@timesofindia.com  27.10.2025  TIMES EDUCATION 

In 2025, the delay in NEET PG counselling and admissions has affected the academic cycle and is causing significant stress among PG aspirants and resident doctors due to uncertainty and increased workload. The NEET PG exam was held on August 3, 2025, and the results were declared on August 19, 2025. However, more than 60 days have passed since the exam, and admissions are still pending. 

In 2024, too, the NEET PG counselling was delayed, and the round 1 admissions were conducted in October. The PG counselling has been struggling with a steady schedule for the last five years; only in 2020 and 2023 did the counselling schedule start on time, giving PG students enough time to settle into their first-year routine. A delayed academic cycle creates a vicious loop and has a domino effect on the entire PG course. The authorities must ensure the academic cycle returns to track in 2026 to ensure a smooth admission process.

 “To regularise the academic cycle, some adjustments need to be made. This year, the seat metrics (seat data) were shared on October 15, and counselling registrations could begin only after the NMC shared the seat matrix. There’s only one way to make the process smoother: conduct inspections and release results on time,” says a Health Ministry official on condition of anonymity. Often, students are partly responsible for delays; they file petitions and delay the process further. If exams and metrics are completed on time, counselling will automatically begin on time.

 “NMC is facing staffing issues — it has 33 members, of whom just two are active. If exams and metrics are delayed, the entire timeline shifts. Ideally, exams should take place by March, and the counselling process should start by May or June. But when the initial flow breaks, the delay compounds. 

This year, the session should start around November, after the first round of counselling,” adds the official. The NEET PG course spans three years. In the first year, students must submit their thesis protocol; in the second year, they write the thesis; and in the third year, they take their final exam followed by the district residency programme.

 “If metrics come as late as October-November, everything shifts,” says the official. The PG course runs year-wise, and students must take one final exam after three years. “Postgraduates become eligible for taking superspeciality exams. Hence, when PG courses end late, super-speciality exams get delayed too. The delay starts from the very first year. The NMC conducts inspections regularly. Usually, they should start around September and ideally finish by March. It was delayed this year due to a lack of staff and court cases,” says the official. 

Resident doctors say that the NMC keeps updating the seat matrix long after the results have been announced and the counselling schedule released, and this lack of accountability and the inability to adhere to fixed timelines have become a pattern over the past three to four years. “Every year, counselling gets delayed and batches overlap; there’s no strict timeline for when postgraduate residency starts. There are two sets of students — those who’ve just finished their internship and are appearing for the PG exam for the first time, and those who’ve taken a drop of one or two years to secure their preferred branch. Those who’ve taken a drop spend heavily on rent and coaching fees, amounting to Rs 50,000 60,000 a month.

 It’s stressful for both the students and their parents,” says Dr Devaunshi Kaul, senior resident, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Safdarjung Hospital, and national president, FORDA. FAIMA executive, Dr Aman Kaushik, a NEET PG aspirant, says, “When the INI CET exam can be conducted on schedule, then it should not be untenable to conduct the NEET PG exam on schedule. AIIMS releases the schedule much in advance. It is important that NBEMS releases its exam schedule on time for the 2026-27 cycle.”

MBBS counselling impacted after MCC adds new seats midway

MBBS counselling impacted after MCC adds new seats midway

 Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com 27.10.2025

TIMES EDUCATION   BANGALURU

Addition of 11,000 MBBS seats and introduction of new medical colleges midway has impacted the ongoing NEET UG 2025-26 counselling process adding to the troubles of aspirants. While the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has allowed seat upgrade options till the third round since last year (2024-25), the introduction of seats midway has led to disruption in seat allotment. Candidates who secured seats in the first two rounds felt cheated after new seats were opened in top medical colleges, as they already paid fees and reported to their allotted colleges. Since new seats have been added in a few AIIMS and govt medical colleges, candidates who had to settle for lesser-known colleges are clearly frustrated. 

Since many candidates did not choose the upgrade option, they have now missed the chance to compete for the newly added seats. The untimely addition of seats has created unequal opportunities for several talented candidates. Delhi-based counselling expert, Ashish Sinha, says, “NMC delayed the process of inspections and granting approvals to medical colleges. 

By the time new seats were added, aspirants had already joined elsewhere and could not participate in further rounds, as they did not select the upgrade option during the first round of counselling. If seats were added well before the counselling, the cut-off would not look elevated. High ranking students would have thoughtfully opted for the seat in a prominent college, based on their NEET scores.” Candidates who chose upgrade option will have to face significant financial strain as most of them have paid the fee, which is not fully refundable. Several medical colleges, such as MGM Medical College, Panvel, Maharashtra, charge up to Rs 50,000 as are location fee if a candidate decides to transfer to another institution, adds Sinha. 

According to the new MCC rules, aspirants can opt out of locking their seats until round III, which is mandatory during the stray vacancy phase. Dr B Srinivas, member secretary, MCC, says, “The decision to allow upgrade option in the third round was made to accommodate delayed seat approvals by NMC and ensure fair opportunities for all candidates. We knew that seat allotments were getting delayed repeatedly, so we consciously introduced upgradation in the third round this year.” 

The move benefits students seeking government medical colleges after initially being allotted private colleges. “If a student got a private medical seat earlier but now prefers a government college, with the help of this option, they can move to the college of their choice. The vacated seat will automatically be allotted to another candidate, ensuring that all available seats are filled. This system is expected to create a dynamic flow of seat reallocation, giving more students the chance to secure better placements,” Dr Srinivas adds.

However, aspirants appearing for the state counselling face difficulty in switching from state colleges to the colleges offering All India Quota (AIQ) seats. “State counselling bodies impose strict regulations that prevent students from switching to MCC seats after Round II. In one case, during the 2025-26 counselling cycle, an aspirant who had secured admission in Karnataka paid Rs 44 lakh as annual fees, but he was unable to move to DY Patil Medical College, Pune, in Round III. New seats introduced in Round III under MCC significantly lowered the cut-off for DY Patil, Pune. Had all seats been released at once, the student would likely have secured admission there in Round II. Rules stipulate that if an aspirant surrenders a seat after Round II, the entire first-year fee is forfeited—locking them into their initial choice,” says Sinha.

India’s medical education sees historic surge as MBBS seats reach 1,37,600: State-wise distribution here

India’s medical education sees historic surge as MBBS seats reach 1,37,600: 

State-wise distribution here 

India's medical education is transforming with a historic increase in MBBS seats and new colleges. The National Medical Commission is spearheading this expansion to boost healthcare access and train more doctors. This move is set to significantly enhance medical education infrastructure across the nation. The country is on track to meet its ambitious targets for medical seat additions.

TOI Education

Oct 20, 2025, 9:58 IST

India’s medical education sees historic surge as MBBS seats reach 1,37,600 

India’s medical education sector is witnessing an unprecedented transformation, with a historic surge in MBBS seats and new medical colleges across the country. Spearheaded by the National Medical Commission (NMC), this expansion aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2024 pledge to create 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years, aiming to improve healthcare access and address the persistent shortage of trained doctors.

 According to PTI, NMC Chairperson Dr. Abhijat Sheth described this growth as a major regulatory milestone, noting that, for the first time, all appeals against MARB decisions were resolved without court intervention. In a parallel move to strengthen medical education, the NMC has partnered with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to integrate clinical research into the MBBS curriculum, boosting research infrastructure in medical colleges nationwide. India 

Latest developments In October 2025, the NMC approved 10,650 new MBBS seats and sanctioned 41 new medical colleges for the 2024–25 academic year. This raised the total number of institutions offering MBBS programs to 816 across India. Including seats under Institutes of National Importance such as AIIMS and JIPMER, India’s total MBBS seat count now stands at approximately 1,37,600. 

The approvals followed the commission receiving 170 proposals for expanding undergraduate capacity. Of these, 41 were from government colleges and 129 from private institutions. States such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana saw significant additions. 

Medical seat expansion trend over 2025 Data from the NMC and the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) indicate a steady increase in MBBS seats throughout 2025. Here is a month-by-month run down based on the MARB and NMC data: 

May 2025 The NMC began reviewing proposals for new undergraduate medical seats and institutions for the 2025–26 academic cycle. Preliminary evaluations indicated around 1,17,750 MBBS seats across 808 medical colleges, establishing the baseline for expansion. 

June and July 2025 During this period, multiple states, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, submitted proposals to the NMC and MARB for new colleges and capacity expansions. Review committees prioritised underserved regions, including northeastern and central Indian districts. 

August 2025 The NMC announced the first wave of inspections and renewals to finalise the seat matrix ahead of NEET-UG counselling 2025. Provisional letters of permission (LOPs) for college upgrades added approximately 1,800 to 2,000 seats nationally.

September 2025 

On September 24–26, 2025, the NMC published an updated seat matrix adding 7,075 new MBBS seats. This increased capacity from 1,17,750 to 1,24,825. The revision included both renewal approvals and newly sanctioned seats across government and private colleges, marking the start of the largest expansion phase since 2020. 

Early October 2025 Between October 10 and 13, 2025, the NMC released another seat matrix revision for NEET-UG 2025. This approved 9,075 new MBBS seats while phasing out around 456 seats due to pending lawsuits or non-compliance. The total number of MBBS seats reached 1,26,600 across 812 medical colleges. Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka received the largest increases. 

Mid-October 2025: Record expansion announced On October 19, 2025, the NMC formally approved 10,650 new MBBS seats and 41 new medical colleges, bringing the national total to 1,37,600 seats and 816 colleges, as reported by PTI. This approval represents the largest single-year seat expansion in Indian medical education history and advances the government’s target of adding 75,000 new medical seats over five years.

State-wise expansion highlights 

The October 2025 NMC report highlights the following state-wise increases: Uttar Pradesh: Over 1,100 seats across 5 colleges 

Maharashtra: Over 950 seats across 4 colleges 

Tamil Nadu: Over 850 seats across 3 colleges 

Gujarat: Over 800 seats 

Rajasthan: Over 700 seats 

Karnataka: Over 650 seats

Madhya Pradesh: Over 600 seats 

Most of the new colleges and seat expansions are being established in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This strategy improves geographical access to medical education and reduces regional disparities. 

The road ahead 

The NMC has indicated that further proposals for 2025–26 seat expansions are under review, with the application window opening in early November. If the current pace continues, India is likely to achieve its goal of adding 75,000 new medical seats well before 2029. This expansion represents a transformative moment for India’s medical education landscape, benefiting NEET aspirants and addressing the country’s long-term healthcare needs. 

With inputs from PTI.

31-year-old woman’s mild urinary infection becomes a life-threatening emergency with kidney stones and septic shock; know the overlooked key signs

31-year-old woman’s mild urinary infection becomes a life-threatening emergency with kidney stones and septic shock; know the overlooked key signs

etimes.in | Oct 18, 2025, 10.21 AM IST

A routine urinary tract infection (UTI) nearly cost 31-year-old Lauren Carson her life, transforming what seemed like a minor health issue into a life-threatening emergency. Initially, Lauren experienced mild discomfort and assumed it was a typical UTI, expecting antibiotics to resolve the problem. 

However, her symptoms worsened, progressing to severe back pain and confusion, along with chills and an unusually high fever. Unbeknownst to her, the infection had caused kidney stones and triggered septic shock, a dangerous condition where the infection spreads into the bloodstream and causes organ failure. Within 24 hours, Lauren faced a critical risk of death and required emergency surgery to save her life. Her experience underscores the hidden dangers of UTIs, reminding women not to underestimate recurring infections or ignore warning signs such as fatigue, pain, or confusion.

From mild UTI to life-threatening crisis: Lauren Carson’s battle with septic shock

As reported by Ladbible, Lauren Carson, a resident of Belfast, first experienced what she believed were standard UTI symptoms in August. Like many women, she assumed it would be a straightforward infection resolved with antibiotics. She visited her GP and was prescribed a week-long course, expecting relief.

However, her symptoms did not improve. While on holiday in Mallorca, Lauren continued to feel unwell but dismissed it as fatigue from travelling and activity in a warm climate. Upon returning home, her condition worsened with severe back pain that left her unable to work. Following her GP’s advice, she went to hospital, where the severity of her condition was finally revealed.

"I thought I had strained a muscle from running, but it wasn’t that at all," Lauren recalled. The true cause of her pain was a UTI that had led to kidney stone formation. This complication went unnoticed until her infection became critical.

Lauren had developed six kidney stones, believed to be caused by the UTI. The infection escalated rapidly, sending her body into septic shock; a life-threatening response where infection spreads into the bloodstream. "I went into septic shock within six hours. My blood cell levels were dangerously high, and I couldn’t remember anything," she explained.

Lauren Carson undergoes urgent surgery

Doctors informed Lauren that she needed urgent surgery within 24 hours to remove the kidney stones and prevent further deterioration. The operation was successful, and she is now recovering.

Reflecting on her ordeal, Lauren said, "As a woman, you assume it’s just a UTI and that drinking water or cranberry juice will help. I never expected it to become something so serious."

Understanding UTIs and their risks

According to the NHS, urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. Most UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics, and symptoms typically resolve within three to five days.

However, recurrent infections or delayed treatment can lead to severe complications such as kidney damage, kidney stones, and sepsis. UTIs are more common in women due to anatomical differences, which can make them more prone to bacterial infections.

Warning signs of severe infection and sepsis

Sepsis can develop rapidly and may present with the following symptoms:

Confusion or slurred speech

Pale, blotchy, or discoloured skin

Rashes that do not fade under pressure

High fever

Difficulty breathing

It’s crucial to understand that not all symptoms need to be present for sepsis to occur. Immediate medical attention is essential if a UTI worsens or does not improve with antibiotics.

பரிசோதனையும், விழிப்புணா்வும்...

DINAMANI

பரிசோதனையும், விழிப்புணா்வும்...

33 ஆண்டுகளில் புற்றுநோய் பாதிப்பு விகிதம் 26% அதிகரித்துள்ளதாக தற்போதைய ஆய்வுகள் கூறுகின்றன.

 ஐவி.நாகராஜன் Updated on: 18 அக்டோபர் 2025, 6:15 am

நம் நாட்டில் ஏற்படும் மரணங்களுக்கான முதல் 5 காரணங்களில் புற்றுநோயும் ஒன்றாக இருக்கிறது. நம் நாட்டில் 1990-ஆம் ஆண்டுகளுக்குப் பிறகு புற்றுநோய் பாதிப்புகள் அதிகரித்துள்ளதாக ஆய்வுகள் கூறுகின்றன. 1990-க்குப் பிறகு 33 ஆண்டுகளில் புற்றுநோய் பாதிப்பு விகிதம் 26% அதிகரித்துள்ளதாக தற்போதைய ஆய்வுகள் கூறுகின்றன. 1990-இல் ஒரு லட்சம் பேரில் 85 பேருக்கு புற்றுநோய் பாதிப்பு இருந்தது. அது 2023-இல் 107-ஆக அதிகரித்துள்ளது. புற்றுநோய் பாதிப்பில் ஆசியாவில் நாம் 2-ஆவது இடத்தில் இருக்கிறோம் என்று ஆய்வுகள் தெரிவிக்கின்றன.

நம் நாட்டில் புற்றுநோயால் பாதிப்போா் எண்ணிக்கையும், அதேபோல், புற்றுநோயால் இறப்பவரின் எண்ணிக்கையும் நாளுக்கு நாள் அதிகரித்துக் கொண்டே செல்கிறது. புற்றுநோயால் பாதிக்கப்படுவோரில் ஐந்தில் மூன்று போ் உயிா்வாழ்வதில்லை. புற்றுநோயால் இறக்கும் ஆண்களுக்கு வாய்ப் புற்றுநோயும், பெண்களுக்கு மாா்பக புற்றுநோய், கா்ப்பப்பை வாய் புற்றுநோயும் பிரதான காரணிகளாக இருக்கின்றன என்று புள்ளிவிவரங்கள் கூறுகின்றன.

சீனாவிலும், அமெரிக்காவிலும் கடந்த 33 ஆண்டுகளில் புற்றுநோய் பாதிப்பானது கணிசமாகக் குறைந்திருக்கிறது என்றும் ஆய்வுகள் தெரிவிக்கின்றன. இதற்கு, இவ்விரு நாடுகளிலும் வலுவான புகையிலை கட்டுப்பாடு, எல்லோருக்கும் தடுப்பூசி மற்றும் ஒழுங்கமைக்கப்பட்ட பரிசோதனை ஆகியவைதான் காரணமாக கூறப்படுகின்றன.

நம் நாட்டில் புற்றுநோய் பரவலுக்கு, அதிக புகையிலை பயன்பாடு, உடல் பருமன், வாழ்க்கைமுறை மாற்றம், நோய்த்தொற்று ஆகியவை காரணங்களாக இருக்கின்றன. உலகில் பிற நாடுகளைக் காட்டிலும் நம் நாட்டில் புகையிலை பயன்பாடு என்பது அளவுக்கு அதிகமாக இருக்கிறது. வாயில் மென்று திண்ணும் அல்லது உதடு இடுக்குகளில் அடக்கிவைக்கும் புகையிலையால் ஏற்படும் வாய் புற்றுநோயில் உலகின் தலைமையிடம் என்று சொல்லும் அளவுக்கு நம் நாட்டில் புகையிலை பயன்பாடு இருக்கிறது.

நம் நாட்டில் புற்றுநோயால் இறப்பவா் எண்ணிக்கை அதிகரிக்க, புற்றுநோய் குறித்த விழிப்புணா்வு குறைவாக இருப்பதும், நோயை ஆரம்ப நிலையிலேயே கண்டறிவது மிக மிகக் குறைவாக உள்ளது.

புற்றுநோய் பரிசோதனையையும், தடுப்பூசி செலுத்துவதையும் செயல்படுத்துவது என்பது பெரிய சவால் அல்ல. அதற்குத் தேவை, சரியான திட்டமிடலும், செயல்திட்டமும்தான். புற்றுநோய் பரிசோதனை என்பது சுயவிருப்பம் சாா்ந்ததாக மட்டுமே உள்ளதை மாற்றி, 30 வயதுக்கும் மேற்பட்ட எல்லோருக்கும் மூன்று ஆண்டுகளுக்கு ஒரு முறை புற்றுநோய் பரிசோதனை கட்டாயம் என்பதை நடைமுறைப்படுத்த வேண்டும்.

புற்றுநோய் பரிசோதனை என்பது, புற்றுநோய் அறிகுறிகள் தோன்றுவதற்கு முன்பே ஆரம்ப கட்டத்தில் அதைக் கண்டறிய உதவும் ஒரு முறையாகும். இதில் இமேஜிங் சோதனைகள் (மாா்பக எக்ஸ்ரே, சிடி மற்றும் எம்.ஆா்.ஐ. ஸ்கேன்), ரத்தப் பரிசோதனைகள், உடல் பரிசோதனைகள் (மாா்பகப் பரிசோதனை, எண்ம மலக்குடல் பரிசோதனை), பயாப்ஸி மற்றும் மரபணு பரிசோதனைகள் போன்ற பல முறைகள் உள்ளன என்று மருத்துவா்கள் தெரிவிக்கின்றனா். இவை மாா்பகம், கா்ப்பப்பை வாய், பெருங்குடல் மற்றும் புரோஸ்டேட் போன்ற குறிப்பிட்ட புற்றுநோய்களைக் கண்டறிய உதவுகின்றன என்பது குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது.

ஆரம்பத்திலேயே புற்றுநோயைக் கண்டறிவது சிகிச்சையை எளிதாக்கும். அறிகுறிகள் தோன்றுவதற்கு முன்பே நோயைக் கண்டறிந்து, சிகிச்சையைத் தொடங்குவதற்கு உதவுகிறது. புற்றுநோயின் குடும்ப வரலாறு உள்ளவா்கள், சில வகையான புற்றுநோய்க்கு, மருத்துவா்கள் குறிப்பிட்ட வயதில் பரிசோதனை செய்யுமாறு அறிவுறுத்தலாம்.

மனித பாப்பிலோமா வைரஸ் சோதனைகள் மற்றும் பேப் சோதனைகள் கா்ப்பப்பை வாய்ப் புற்றுநோயைக் கண்டறிய பரிந்துரைக்கப்படுகின்றன. இவை தனியாகவோ அல்லது சோ்ந்தோ பயன்படுத்தப்படலாம். இந்த சோதனைகள் நோயைத் தடுக்கின்றன. ஏனெனில், அவை புற்றுநோயாக மாறுவதற்கு முன்பு அசாதாரண செல்களைக் கண்டறிந்து சிகிச்சையளிக்க அனுமதிக்கின்றன.

குறிப்பாக, குறிப்பிட்ட புற்றுநோய்களின் ஆபத்து உள்ளவா்களுக்கு, பயனுள்ளதாக நிரூபிக்கப்படாத ஸ்கிரீனிங் சோதனைகள் இன்னும் வழங்கப்படலாம். எடுத்துக்காட்டுகள் பின்வருமாறு: ஆல்பா-ஃபெட்டோ புரோட்டீன் ரத்த பரிசோதனை கல்லீரல் புற்றுநோயின் அதிக ஆபத்தில் உள்ளவா்களுக்கு, கல்லீரல் புற்றுநோயை ஆரம்பத்திலேயே கண்டறிய, கல்லீரலின் அல்ட்ரா சவுண்டுடன் சோ்ந்து ஆல்பா-ஃபெட்டோ புரோட்டீன் ரத்தப் பரிசோதனை சில நேரங்களில் பயன்படுத்தப்படுகிறது.

மருத்துவ மாா்பக பரிசோதனைகள் மற்றும் வழக்கமான மாா்பக சுய பரிசோதனைகள் மாா்பகங்களை சுகாதாரப் பராமரிப்பு வழங்குநா்கள் (மருத்துவ மாா்பகப் பரிசோதனை) அல்லது பெண்கள் தாங்களாகவே (மாா்பக சுய பரிசோதனை) வழக்கமாகப் பரிசோதிப்பது மாா்பகப் புற்றுநோயால் ஏற்படும் இறப்புகளைக் குறைப்பதாகக் காட்டப்படவில்லை. இருப்பினும், ஒரு பெண் அல்லது அவரது சுகாதாரப் பராமரிப்பு வழங்குநா் மாா்பகத்தில் கட்டி அல்லது பிற அசாதாரண மாற்றத்தைக் கவனித்தால், அதைப் பரிசோதித்துக் கொள்வது முக்கியம்.

புற்றுநோயை ஆரம்ப நிலையிலேயே கண்டறிந்து சிகிச்சையைத் தொடங்கிவிட்டால் இறப்புகளைத் தவிா்க்கலாம் என்கிறாா்கள் புற்றுநோய்க்கான சிறப்பு மருத்துவா்கள். எனவே, நாடு முழுவதும் குறைந்தபட்சம் 30 வயதுக்கும் மேற்பட்ட எல்லோருக்கும் புற்றுநோய் பரிசோதனையை செய்து முடிப்பதும், புற்றுநோய் தடுப்பூசியை எல்லா தரப்பினருக்கும் கொண்டுபோய் சோ்ப்பதிலும் அரசு தீவிர கவனம் செலுத்த வேண்டும்.

MBBS, BDS admissions halted due to tech glitch, seat uncertainty

MBBS, BDS admissions halted due to tech glitch, seat uncertainty 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 17.10.2025

Chennai : MBBS/BDS admissions for 2025 have been halted amid a technical glitch on the website and seat uncertainty though medical colleges opened on Sept 22 for all freshmen. On Thursday, the process was stalled after Medical Counselling Committee's official portal went down when students attempted to log in and lock their college choices. The committee, which admits students to central institutions, deemed universities and All India quota seats in state-run medical colleges, gave candidates until midnight to make choices. 

This technical glitch comes even as National Medical Commission (NMC), the regulatory authority, continues to approve additional seats for existing medical colleges and grant recognition to new colleges for the 2025 academic year. “This is the third round of counselling, and the seat matrix still does not reflect all sanctioned seats,” said student counsellor S Shanmugam. 

“Some seats were added on Wednesday. If they are not added to the seat matrix, they will be available only for students in the stray round. How is this process justified?” he said. Officials at the central counselling committee said arevised schedule will be released once the final seat matrix is received from NMC. 

Meanwhile, the state selection committee stated that the counselling process for admission to govt quota seats in state-run medical colleges, self-financing medical colleges, and state private universities will commence only after the MCC completes its third round. “That way, students will be able to make informed decisions,” said a senior official. Medical college faculty say students joining late tend to miss at least two months of college. 

“By the time the last batch of students join college, they would have missed at least two months of classes. How will they catch up on portions?” said a senior anatomy professor of a govt medical college. “Faculty don’t have the time to conduct special classes, and it’s tough for new students to cope with these portions,” he said.

When nasal blockage actually turned out to be a brain disorder

When nasal blockage actually turned out to be a brain disorder 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK   17.10.2025  NEW DELHI 

New Delhi : What began as a routine complaint of nasal blockage turned into one of the most extraordinary medical cases doctors at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, ever encountered. 

A 33-year-old woman, troubled by months of nasal congestion and watery discharge, visited the hospital assuming it was a stubborn sinus infection. But scans revealed something far more alarming — a portion of her brain slipped through the base of her skull into her nasal cavity and sinuses. 

The bone separating the brain from the nasal passage —the cranial base — gradually eroded, creating a hole through which brain tissue and vital blood vessels herniated down. In simple terms, her brain was drooping into her nose. Left untreated, doctors said, the condition could have caused fatal infections such as meningitis, massive bleeding or irreversible brain damage.

 “When the patient came to us with persistent nasal obstruction, we suspected something beyond sinusitis,” said Dr Ashish Vashishth, HOD & Consultant – ENT (Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck and Cranial Base Surgery). “An endoscopic examination and targeted CT and MRI scans confirmed our fear — part of her brain herniated through the skull base. 

Managing such a delicate reconstruction required extraordinary precision and teamwork,” he added. The condition, known medically as spontaneous anterior cranial base meningoencephalocele, is exceptionally rare, with only a handful of adult cases documented worldwide. While encephalocele can occur due to factors such as trauma, tumours or congenital defects, in this particular case, there was no history of trauma or any evident mass lesion, said doctors. It is likely that increased intracranial pressure or subtle structural weakness in the cranial base contributed to the condition. 

To save the patient, a team of neurosurgeons and ENT specialists performed an eight-hour surgery, combining advanced endoscopic and transcranial techniques. Through a corridor behind 1 the nasal passage and a cranial opening, they gently repositioned the brain tissue, repaired the defect and rebuilt the skull base layer by layer. “This was one of the most technically demanding surgeries we’ve handled,” said Dr Anurag Saxena, cluster head – Delhi NCR, Neurosurgery. 

“Almost half of the frontal and basal parts of brain were hanging through the skull base defect. Even a millimetre of error could have caused a stroke.” The team successfully reconstructed the skull base and restored normal anatomy. The patient has recovered well and returned to her daily routine with no neurological deficits, said doctors

தீபாவளி: மருத்துவர்கள் பணியில் இருக்க அறிவுறுத்தல்

தீபாவளி: மருத்துவர்கள் பணியில் இருக்க அறிவுறுத்தல் 

தீபாவளியையொட்டி துணை சுகாதார நிலையங்கள், மருத்துவமனைகளில் முதுநிலை மருத்துவர்கள் பணியில் இருக்க வேண்டும் என்று மக்கள் நல்வாழ்வுத் துறை அறிவுறுத்தியுள்ளது.

தினமணி செய்திச் சேவை Published on:  16 அக்டோபர் 2025, 1:24 am 

தீபாவளியையொட்டி துணை சுகாதார நிலையங்கள், மருத்துவமனைகளில் முதுநிலை மருத்துவர்கள் பணியில் இருக்க வேண்டும் என்று மக்கள் நல்வாழ்வுத் துறை அறிவுறுத்தியுள்ளது.

தீபாவளி பண்டிகையையொட்டி பல்வேறு முன்னேற்பாடுகளை மக்கள் நல்வாழ்வுத் துறை மேற்கொண்டு வருகிறது. அதன்படி, பட்டாசு விபத்துகளால் ஏற்படும் தீக்காயங்களுக்கு உடனடி சிகிச்சை அளிக்க அனைத்து துணை சுகாதார நிலையங்களும் தயார் நிலையில் இருக்க வேண்டும் என்றும் மருத்துவக் கல்லூரி மருத்துவமனைகளில் அவசர காலங்களைக் கையாளும் வகையில் ஒட்டுறுப்பு அறுவை சிகிச்சை நிபுணர்கள் கட்டாயம் பணியில் இருக்க வேண்டும் என்றும் மக்கள் நல்வாழ்வு துறை உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது.

இதுகுறித்து, பொது சுகாதாரத் துறை இயக்குநர் டாக்டர் சோமசுந்தரம் கூறியதாவது:

கிராமப்புறங்களைப் பொருத்தவரையில் துணை சுகாதார நிலையங்கள், தீபாவளியையொட்டி நாள்களில் முழு நேரமும் இயங்க அறிவுறுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளது. குறிப்பாக, சிறிய அளவிலான காயங்களுக்கு உடனடி முதலுதவி சிகிச்சை அளித்து தேவைக்கு ஏற்ப 108 ஆம்புலன்ஸ் வாகனத்தில் மாவட்டத் தலைமை மருத்துவமனை அல்லது மருத்துவக் கல்லூரி மருத்துவமனைக்கு அனுப்பி வைக்க அறிவுறுத்தல்கள் விடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன.

மேலும், 424 வட்டார ஆரம்ப சுகாதார நிலையங்களில், ஞாயிறு, திங்கள்கிழமைகளில் 24 மணி நேரமும் மருத்துவர்கள் பணியில் இருப்பது உறுதி செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. அதேபோன்று தொலைநிலை மற்றும் மலை கிராம மக்களுக்காக 420 நடமாடும் மருத்துவ வாகனங்களும் செயல்படும் என்றார் அவர்.

Cabinet adds 10,000 new MBBS, PG seats; faculty shortage could restrict seat expansion

Cabinet adds 10,000 new MBBS, PG seats; faculty shortage could restrict seat expansion

 Unless the paucity is addressed, increasing seats would risk diluting training quality of new doctors 

Sonal.Srivastava@timesofindia.com 06.10.2025

The Union Cabinet approved phase-III medical expansion in September 2025, greenlighting the addition of over 10,000 new MBBS and PG seats to boost India’s healthcare capacity. As the government pushes ahead with expanding MBBS and postgraduate medical seats across the country, experts warn that a chronic shortage of faculty and inadequate infrastructure may dilute the quality of medical education. 

A 2023 NITI Aayog report pegged the faculty shortfall at nearly 30%. According to data presented in the Rajya Sabha, approximately 40% of faculty positions in various AIIMS remained unfilled in 2025. Premier institutions, such as AIIMS New Delhi, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur, and Rishikesh, have a faculty shortage of 23%-38% across various levels. 

A senior official from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare acknowledges that the shortage of faculty remains a pressing concern. “The government has put in place stop-gap measures to address the issue as medical seats continue to expand,” he adds. “In a few streams, especially in the preand para-clinical areas, medical colleges are unable to find suitable faculty as fewer students opt for them compared to clinical subjects,” says the official. To increase the faculty number, the government has allowed MSc and PhD candidates to teach preand para-clinical subjects. “This is only for the initial years; eventually, reliance will increase on AI and e-books that will assist the faculty,” says the official.

Broadening the faculty pool through MSc and PhD candidates is necessary; however, preference will be given to candidates with MBBS/MD degrees. Once there is sufficient faculty and the system stabilises, these pressures will gradually subside, he adds.

Doubling MBBS seats without increasing the number of teachers and developing infrastructure will not help sustain the quality of education, says Dr Sajal Bansal, chief advisor, FAIMA, Maharashtra. “The student-teacher ratio is impacted negatively because of faculty shortage. Earlier, one teacher taught 20-25 students; now, a teacher is expected to handle a higher number of students,” he adds. To understand student experiences, FAIMA has launched a nationwide survey of medical students, covering issues such as faculty availability, clinical exposure, libraries, and infrastructure. 

Over 1,700 responses have been received so far. The shortage is particularly acute in non-clinical subjects such as Anatomy, Pharmacology, and Microbiology, where PG seats often remain vacant. “Most students prefer clinical branches because they want patient exposure, and non-clinical departments suffer because opportunities are limited — labs are under equipped, research exposure is poor, and job prospects are uncertain,” says Dr Bansal. Hospitals with more than 220 beds are also being converted into medical colleges to expand capacity. “These measures may bring some temporary relief, but they will not fully solve the shortage,” says Dr Sanjay Teotia, senior consultant, Balrampur Hospital, UP. 

Unless the shortage is addressed, the rapid expansion of medical seats risks diluting the training of new doctors. “Infrastructure and faculty must grow in tandem with seat expansion. Otherwise, the system will produce doctors with limited clinical exposure and inadequate guidance, which will ultimately affect patient care,” says Dr Teotia. SSC introduces reforms to make exams secure and transparent The SSC has rolled out a series of reforms to make its examinations more transparent, secure, and convenient for candidates. Candidates appearing in SSC exams can view their own question papers, responses, and the correct answers. However, restrictions apply during ongoing multishift exams to ensure that papers from later sessions are not compromised. To further assist aspirants, the Commission has also decided to publish selected past question papers as official sample sets at regular intervals. SSC has halved the fee for challenging questions, from Rs 100 to Rs 50 per question, reducing the financial burden on aspirants who wish to contest an answer. 

Another significant measure is the introduction of equi-percentile normalisation. This method compares candidates based on their percentile score rather than raw marks. It removes any 

advantage or disadvantage that may arise from variation in difficulty levels across different exam shifts. Ensuring exam security and fairness has also been a major focus. Aadhaarbased authentication has been introduced to prevent impersonation and to stop candidates from attempting the same exam multiple times.