Minister Anupriya Patel Responds in Rajya Sabha
Union Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel, has clarified that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has not taken any decision to freeze the approval of new medical colleges or the increase of MBBS seats for the 2025–26 academic year.
Transparent Approval Process in Place
Responding to queries in the Rajya Sabha, Patel said the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of NMC follows a structured and transparent process for evaluating applications related to new medical institutions, UG/PG seats, and course expansions. Applications are invited annually via an online portal, and colleges must fulfill the Minimum Standard Requirements specified by the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Medical Education Boards.
Multi-Layered Scrutiny and Assessment
Patel detailed the process:
- Preliminary scrutiny of applications.
- Issuing of show-cause notices (SCNs) for deficiencies.
- Random selection of assessors to ensure impartial evaluations.
- Use of digital verification methods such as Aadhaar-based attendance, live video feeds, photographs, HMIS data, or even surprise physical inspections.
Only institutions fully compliant with NMC Act 2019 and related regulations receive a Letter of Permission (LoP).
Context: Bribery Scandal Sparked Speculation
Earlier reports had claimed that NMC might halt new approvals after a CBI investigation exposed a bribery racket in inspections. According to the probe, fraudulent approvals had been granted to colleges lacking basic infrastructure, faculty, and patient facilities. 34 individuals, including eight Union Health Ministry officials, a National Health Authority officer, and five NMC assessors, were booked. NMC subsequently blacklisted four assessors and cancelled seat approvals at six medical colleges.
Government’s Assurance
Despite the scandal, Patel stressed that the approval process continues under strict safeguards, and no blanket freeze on new medical colleges or MBBS/PG seats has been imposed.