Several government medical colleges in Tamil Nadu, including establishments in Dharmapuri, Ramanathapuram, and Nagapattinam, have incurred fines of up to ₹3 lakh from the National Medical Commission (NMC) due to deficiencies in faculty and clinical material. Additionally, the Government Medical College in Madurai, among others, has been served show-cause notices for inadequacies in Aadhaar-based biometric attendance.
Officials from the NMC’s undergraduate medical education board confirmed the issuance of notices to numerous colleges nationwide. Dr. Aruna V Vanikar, president of the board, highlighted the intensification of faculty assessments, emphasizing that headcounts are now conducted almost daily. At least two show-cause notices have been issued, with college administrators subject to fines if explanations fail to satisfy officials. Dr. Vanikar noted that fines were imposed as a last resort after exhausting other avenues for compliance.
Dr. J Sangumani, Director of Medical Education in Tamil Nadu, acknowledged receipt of the notices, clarifying that absenteeism below 75% triggers notifications. However, he underscored legitimate reasons for faculty absence, such as NMC inspections, exam duties, 24-hour shifts, and medical or maternity leave. Sangumani emphasized that such instances should not be classified as deficiencies.
Colleges affected by the penalties plan to appeal to the NMC. Health Secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi previously corresponded with the NMC and held discussions with Union health ministry officials to request a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for biometric attendance. The Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association also engaged with the NMC on the matter. Despite assurances, progress on addressing concerns has been lacking, according to a senior official.