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.

SC castigates NMC on stipend issue

SC castigates NMC on stipend issue 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 04.11.2025

With National Medical Commission (NMC) failing to ensure that all private medical colleges and deemed universities pay stipend to MBBS interns, Supreme Court (SC) directed the Union health secretary to ensure that NMC collects details of charges imposed by these institutions and the stipend they pay. SC, in an order last week, said

it expected the commission “to wake up from slumber” and directed it to file a comprehensive compliance affidavit within two weeks. Over two years after SC said non-payment of stipend to MBBS interns was akin to bonded labour, not only has NMC failed to ensure payment, it has failed to even produce a list of medical colleges with details of how much they paid as stipend or penalise colleges not paying stipend, as it has been threatening to do. I

n July, NMC had issued a public notice directing colleges to submit the complete course-wise fee structure and details of stipend payment to MBBS interns/junior residents/senior residents etc, tuition fees, hostel charges, caution deposits and all miscellaneous charges. NMC had threatened to act against the colleges, including issuing show-cause notices, imposing financial penalties, withdrawing course recognition and suspending admissions, if they failed to comply. 

A few days before the July 11 public notice, NMC had issued another notice, pushing the onus of addressing grievances of medical students onto colleges, universities and directorates of medical education at the state level. Before the sudden move to shift responsibility and the U-turn soon after, NMC had issued notices to colleges thrice in 2024, threatening action. However, with no action being taken, colleges clearly have not taken the threats seriously. SC observed that NMC “seems to be dragging its feet without having any serious concern.”

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.”

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.

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.

Another KGMU doctor resigns, set to join private hosp

Another KGMU doctor resigns, set to join private hosp 

BRAIN DRAIN

Mohsin  Usmani TNN 02.10.2025

Lucknow : With neurologist Prof PK Sharma submitting his resignation on Wednesday, King George’s Medical University lost another senior faculty member. Sharma will serve a threemonth notice period before joining a private medical institute in Alambagh. Prof Sharma cited personal reasons for his exit but said his years at KGMU gave him “immense recognition.” His resignation follows that of Prof Kshitij Srivastava from neurosurgery and Prof Adarsh Tripathi from the psychiatry department. The series of exits widened recently when four doctors — Dr Manu Agarwal (psychiatry), Dr Tanvi Bhargava (anaesthesia), Dr Ashok Kumar Gupta (plastic surgery) and Dr Karan Kaushik (cardiac anaesthesia) — resigned together.

They deposited three months’ salary in lieu of notice, which allowed immediate release. Dr Bhargava joined SGPGIMS, Dr Gupta moved to RMLIMS while Dr Kaushik and Dr Agarwal accepted a private hospital post. In the past month, KGMU also saw the departure of Prof Ajay Verma (respiratory medicine), who joined RMLIMS as head of department, Prof Srivastava, who shifted to a private hospital in Alambagh, and Prof Tripathi, who is serving notice. Senior faculty members have attributed the resignations to mismanagement and administrative lapses. Another factor is the pay gap. 

Salaries for govt medical teachers range between Rs 1.25 lakh at the assistant professor level and about Rs 3 lakh for professors. Private hospitals are offering salaries upwards of Rs 10 lakh a month, along with incentives. Faculty have also raised uniform pay across departments, which places super-specialists, despite longer training and heavier clinical load, on the same scale as non-clinical faculty. Meanwhile, the KGMU Teachers’ Association has sought govt intervention and demanded a policy should be framed for doctors trained in govt institutions.

Govt considers autonomy for BJMC, two medical colleges

Govt considers autonomy for BJMC, two medical colleges

Institutions Can Plan Courses And Update Their Curricula

Sarfaraz.Ahmed@timesofindia.com 2.10.2025

Nagpur : In a push towards academic autonomy in the medical sector, the state govt is considering granting deemed university status to three of its oldest medical colleges, namely JJ Hospital’s Grant Medical College in Mumbai, BJ Medical College in Pune, and Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur. This would be the first time govt-run medical colleges in the state are accorded autonomy, a privilege largely enjoyed by private medical institutions. The most notable autonomous medical college in the public sector is AIIMS New Delhi, though it is supported financially by the union govt.

The proposal, submitted by the three colleges to the Department of Medical Education and Research (DMER), has been placed before the state govt, and a decision could be taken by the year-end. When contacted, DMER Director Dr Ajay Chandanwale said the proposal is in its nascent stages. Autonomy would empower these institutes to design their own courses, update curricula, and strengthen research facilities. At present, govt medical colleges in Maharashtra fall under the purview of DMER, while the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), Nashik, conducts examinations and awards degrees.

With autonomy, these colleges would gain independence from both bodies, opening the door to quicker decision-making and academic innovation. Explaining the significance, GMCH Nagpur Dean Dr Raj Gajbhiye said, “Autonomy would enable us to run our own courses, hold examinations, and take decisions at the institute level. One of the biggest advantages would be financial freedom, as we would be able to access and utilise our own funds instead of waiting for approvals from DMER.” Officials believe autonomy will not only accelerate institutional development but also benefit students and patients. There could be more postgraduate seats, specialised research centres, and upgraded infrastructure. “The idea is for the state govt to initially support the three colleges financially and then let them come up with proposals or services to boost their revenues,” said a highly placed govt official. Meanwhile, GMCH Nagpur will soon offer heart and liver transplants at its super specialty hospital.

Dean Dr Gajbhiye said the facility now has modular operation theatres where kidney transplants have already started. “Preparations for heart and liver procedures are in the final stages,” he added. Heart and liver transplants cost over Rs 15–22 lakh in the private sector. “But they are now covered under the revised scheme,” said Dr Gajbhiye.

How Karur medical college hospital rose to the occasion during stampede

How Karur medical college hospital rose to the occasion during stampede

The Hindu Bureau

Karur  30.09.2025tn

In the aftermath of the stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay’s rally, which killed 41 people, Karur Government Medical College Hospital turned into the nerve centre of an unprecedented emergency response.

Inside the hospital, doctors, nurses and staff worked on a war footing. Nearly 85 doctors reported within hours of the incident, and about 90% of the hospital staff turned up without being summoned, officials said.

“Our own team was enough to manage, yet doctors from Madurai and Tiruchi also rushed in to lend support,” a senior official noted.

Government and private ambulances also worked in tandem. “That night was a nightmare. I made three trips within a few hours. Despite the chaos, the public cooperated with us and cleared the way,” recalled R. Velayutham, a private ambulance driver.

The mortuary became the busiest section of the hospital. Nearly 20 postgraduate students from nearby medical colleges, including Salem, Tiruchi and Namakkal, were drafted in with police clearance to carry out post-mortems. Working through the night, they completed examinations of the 39 bodies by Sunday afternoon.

The pressure was not just medical. “Handling non-medical persons who accompanied the patients was a challenge. Emotions were high, and crowd control inside the premises was difficult,” a senior medical officer said.

“But with the help of the police and our staff, we managed,” he added.

Laboratory technicians, attendants and support staff worked alongside the doctors and the nurses to keep the operations running.

The hospital, the officials said, had not faced such a test in years after COVID, but rose to the occasion, with teamwork being the key.

Despite low FMGE passing rate, Indian students continue to pick Russia for MBBS

Despite low FMGE passing rate, Indian students continue to pick Russia for MBBS

Several Russian medical colleges have partnered with Indian education providers to give coaching to FMGs for licensure examination

Divyansh.Kumar@timesofindia.com 29.09.2025 

TIMES EDUCATION

Despite low success rates in the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) and war-related tension, thousands of Indian students head to Russian medical colleges every year. Affordability and admissions to candidates with low NEET scores are the primary reasons for Indian aspirants going abroad. The number of Indian students visiting Russia has increased from 8,000 in 2021 to nearly 32,000 in 2024. 

At a recent pre-departure gathering, nearly 300 medical aspirants bound for Russia hailed the practical supports, low tuition and hostel fee, which led most students to opt for Russia. “I am planning to study MBBS in Russia because it is cheaper than other countries and private MBBS in India,” said 21-year-old Bhavani Pooja from Gangavati, Karnataka, who will complete her six year course in Rs 25 to Rs 30 lakh, which is a fraction of what she would have spent pursuing MBBS at a private college in India.

Most students, including Bhavani, are not aware of the licensure exam that Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) need to clear after they return to India. The average FMGE pass percentage for Russian medical varsities was 18.13% in 2023, which rose to 29.54% across more than 50 listed Russian institutions in 2024. 

In contrast, Tanushree Rathore, 19, from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, who will attend Orenburg State Medical University, was fully informed. “There are so many reasons to study in Russia, including the high-quality education provided by the university I am going to,” she said, estimating the total fee of approximately Rs 36 lakh and an additional Rs 2.6 lakh per year for food and other expenses.

Tanushree was least concerned about the ongoing war as her college in Orenburg is far from the conflict zone. Overseas Mentorship Dr Priyansh Jain, MD, General Medicine and a faculty member for NEET PG and FMGE, Rus Education, emphasises that the success in the exam hinges on early and sustained effort. “Identifying the demand to pass FMGE after course completion, several medical colleges in Russia proactively decided to offer FMGE coaching to help the students right from the first semester.” The data on FMGE pass percentages is skewed, says Dr Jain. “The 18% to 20% FMGE pass rate is not realistic data. Many repeaters have been attempting the exam for five to 10 years. They take the exam for the sake of it, without proper preparation. In all, 8,000 to 10,000 new students attempting for the first or second time manage to pass the exam,” he adds. Medical faculty in India can collaborate with foreign institutions to give guest lectures and remote mentoring to support students while they are abroad. “Even a one-hour weekly online case discussion or guest lecture from Indian faculty can keep students aligned with the Indian curriculum. 

Remote mentorship and virtual practical training sessions may reduce the shock of FMGE preparation when they return home,” adds Dr Jain. Officials, however, point to structural mismatches. A senior official at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), who wishes to remain anonymous, says that average FMGE pass rates have improved from single digits to nearly 19%20% recently, but the situation remains worrisome. “The students often are not well prepared for the FMGE as they mostly opt for online coaching. At times, they lack basic knowledge. After returning, students realise the enormity of FMGE and find it difficult to pass,” he says, noting that the mode of teaching and clinical exposure contribute to the difficulty. The official adds that the National Board of Examination for Medical Sciences (NBEMS) publishes countrywise annual FMGE pass percentages on its website; hence, students must make an informed decision.

While the quality of theoretical education in Russia is generally acknowledged, clinicians and regulators agree that the main curriculum mismatch lies in practical training. Lt-Gen (Retd) Dr Bipin Puri, director, Medical Services (North Zone), Apollo Group of Hospitals and former director-general, Armed Forces Medical Services, says, “The biggest gap is that these children who are trained outside do not get much clinical exposure as they largely get classroom-based learning. These students, when they return, still require extensive coaching and training to understand the nuances of the Indian medical system. Medicine is learned when you interact with a patient, treat them, and understand their condition.”

NEET aspirants breathe easy as Court restores 600 withheld MBBS seats

NEET aspirants breathe easy as Court restores 600 withheld MBBS seats

 Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com 29.09.2025

In a relief to aspirants seeking admission to medical colleges, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has released over 600 seats out of the 1,056 MBBS seats, which were previously withheld due to alleged corruption cases flagged by the CBI in July. The seats have been reinstated after various state High Courts granted interim relief to the institutions concerned. For now, the number of withheld seats is 456, the fate of which will be decided by the NMC when colleges comply with the Minimum Standard Requirements (MSR) 2023 norms.

According to the seat matrix released in September 2025, the NMC had withheld 150 to 200 MBBS seats from several institutions, including Swaminarayan Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (SIMSR) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Delhi. These actions were based on pending court cases and investigations initiated by the CBI. Dr Abhijat Sheth, chairman, NMC, says, “As per the data collected till September 24, there are only 456 withheld seats. This has been done after approval from the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and the MoHFW.” 

The renewal of MBBS seats in four out of six institutions flagged by the CBI regarding corruption was sooner than expected. Dr B Srinivas, deputy director general, Medical Education, MoHFW says, “The NMC has complied with the instructions issued by the respective state High Courts. As the corruption charges against several medical colleges are still under judicial review and have not been proven, the courts have granted interim relief for the current academic year. 

This relief has allowed the colleges to proceed with MBBS admissions for approximately 600 seats, ensuring minimal disruption for aspirants while the legal process continues.” Besides the restoration of withheld seats, the NMC has announced an increase of 7,375 new MBBS seats for the academic year 2025-26. With this expansion, the total number of MBBS seats available nationwide has increased to 1,23,244, up from 1,17,750 in the 2024-25 academic year. The final seat matrix is expected to reflect only 456 withheld seats, a significant reduction from the initial figure

Paediatric diarrhoea study shows docs prescribing antibiotics unnecessarily

Paediatric diarrhoea study shows docs prescribing antibiotics unnecessarily

Jahnavi@timesofindia.com 27.09.2025

Bengaluru : A new study on prescription of antibiotics has revealed something surprising: The biggest reason doctors prescribe unnecessary antibiotics for children with diarrhoea isn’t because they don’t know better, it is because they think parents expect “strong medicines”. The study, titled ‘Investigating the know-do gap in antibiotics prescribing: Experimental evidence from India,’ published in Science Advances, analysed 2,282 private healthcare providers across 253 towns in Karnataka and Bihar (50% from each state) treating paediatric diarrhoea. When doctors were presented with cases of viral diarrhoea in kids (where antibiotics aren’t needed), a staggering 70% still prescribed them. Researchers identified three factors behind this — doctors’ assumptions that parents demand antibiotics; financial incentives from selling medicines; requent shortages of oral rehydration salts (ORS) — the recommended treatment for diarrhoea. Doctors were worried that not prescribing “strong medicines” (usually assumed to be antibiotics) would drive patients to other doctors. The experiment showed caretakers preferred providers who gave more medicines overall, with ORS combined with zinc. “Diarrhoea remains a leading cause of preventable child and infant deaths, yet lifesaving treatment with ORS is under-prescribed, with utilisation rates below 20%. WHO guidelines clearly state ORS should be prescribed for all cases of diarrhoea due to its critical role in preventing fatal dehydration,” said Arnab Mukherjee, professor of public policy and chairperson of PGPPM at IIMB and one of the study’s authors.