New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed Maharashtra’s Directorate of Medical Education (DME) to investigate complaints against D Y Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, for allegedly collecting MBBS fees for five years instead of the mandated 4.5 years.
NMC Acts on Student Complaints
The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the NMC took note of multiple complaints submitted through email and public grievance platforms such as CPGRAM and PMOGP, stating that students were being charged full fees for the fifth year, which is not part of the academic curriculum duration.
In a letter dated May 1, 2025, the NMC instructed the DME to verify the fee structures at DY Patil Medical College and other institutions across Maharashtra and submit an Action Taken Report within 15 days.
Implementation Responsibility Lies with State and College
While NMC clarified its role as a regulatory body that issues guidelines and regulations, it stated that implementation is the responsibility of individual institutes and state authorities.
“Implementation of these regulations/guidelines is the responsibility of the concerned institute and state authorities,” NMC emphasized in the communication.
Annual Renewal Approval May Be Affected
The Commission also warned that the grievances would be considered during the annual renewal process of the college for the academic year 2025–26, and any violations may affect the renewal approval.
“The complaints shall be reviewed during the approval process for annual renewal,” the letter noted.
244 Complaints, Over 1000 Emails Trigger Action
Dr. Divyansh Dwivedi, who filed the complaint, said that despite five reminders from NMC to DMER Maharashtra, no action was initially taken. His campaign involved 244 formal complaints and over 1,000 emails to regulatory bodies.
Dr. Dwivedi pointed out that collecting fees for five full years is illegal as per the 2005 Supreme Court judgment in P.A. Inamdar vs. State of Maharashtra.
DY Patil Medical College Already Under NMC Scanner
This is not the first time the college has drawn regulatory attention. Earlier this year, the NMC directed the institute to respond to allegations regarding:
- Infrastructure deficiencies
- Irregularities in training
- Stipend deductions
- Surgical training quality
- District residency programme issues
Following these complaints, the NMC had asked the college to submit an Action Taken Report within 7 days. However, the college later claimed that an NMC inspection found no violations.
