Irregular MCh Neurosurgery, DM Neuro-Anaesthesia Admissions Under Scrutiny; Government Assures Corrective Measures
New Delhi: The Union Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel, has informed Parliament that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has examined the alleged irregular admissions to MCh Neurosurgery and DM Neuro-Anaesthesia courses at Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP), affiliated with Maulana Azad Medical College.
Responding to queries in the Lok Sabha, the Minister said that the issue involved concerns related to the admission process, along with deficiencies in faculty, infrastructure, and compliance with statutory norms.
Students Shifted to GIPMER to Protect Academic Future
As a corrective step, four students admitted for the 2024–27 academic session—whose admissions were declared void ab initio—have been transferred to Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi.
The move aims to safeguard their academic interests and ensure continuity in their medical education. The NMC has also created supernumerary seats to accommodate these students without disrupting existing capacity.
Former HOD Held Responsible; Criminal Action Recommended
The NMC inquiry committee found that admissions to the MCh Neurosurgery programme were made even after the mandatory Letter of Permission (LoP) had been withdrawn. The panel concluded that the irregularities were not due to systemic failure but resulted from unilateral decisions taken by the then Head of the Department.
Holding the former HOD accountable for “grave misconduct,” the NMC recommended disciplinary as well as criminal action against him. The case may involve charges such as fraud, forgery, criminal conspiracy, and abuse of official position.
Faculty Changes and Departmental Corrections Initiated
The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi has informed that new faculty members have been appointed as guides for MCh Neurosurgery students. Additional corrective steps have been implemented to address gaps in faculty strength and infrastructure.
The inquiry also reviewed irregularities in the DM Neuro-Anaesthesia programme and emphasized the need for systemic improvements.
Steps to Prevent Recurrence
The Centre reiterated that the NMC has stringent regulatory frameworks and monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure accountability in medical institutions. These include periodic audits, compliance checks, and strict adherence to statutory norms.
Additionally, the Delhi government has strengthened oversight measures, including regular review of faculty and infrastructure and improved coordination with regulatory bodies, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The case has once again highlighted the importance of strict regulatory compliance and transparency in medical education, especially in premier government institutions.
