NMC Cracks Down on Illegal MBBS Fees
• DY Patil College Faces MBBS Fee Fraud Probe
• DMER Under Fire for MBBS Fee Irregularities
The NMC has warned DMER Maharashtra over fifth-year illegal MBBS fees at Dr DY Patil Medical College and others. Despite repeated notices, DMER failed to act. Students reported threats and fee irregularities. NMC demands immediate action, with potential sanctions looming. Sprouts News highlights growing concerns in private medical education governance.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a strong directive to the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), Maharashtra, over the unlawful collection of fifth-year MBBS fees at Dr DY Patil Medical College, Pune, and other institutions. The NMC is demanding urgent corrective action and a formal explanation from the state authority. This warning follows numerous student complaints and a whistleblower report highlighting fee practices that contravene national regulations.
Sprouts News has learned that this case may represent deeper irregularities in Maharashtra’s private medical education sector, with national regulators preparing to act if state authorities fail to comply.
Illegal MBBS Fees From Students Allege ₹32 Lakh Fifth-Year Fee in Violation of NMC and Supreme Court Guidelines
The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the NMC acknowledged multiple complaints asserting that Dr DY Patil Medical College is charging a fifth-year MBBS fee of ₹32 lakh. According to NMC norms and Supreme Court rulings, MBBS fees should only cover 4.5 years of study plus a one-year internship. Charging for a fifth academic year contradicts these clearly established guidelines.
Despite repeated directives, DMER Maharashtra has not provided a conclusive response. The NMC had issued five Action Taken Report (ATR) notices and several reminders through RTI queries. The Commission has now issued a final warning with a 15-day deadline, emphasizing that prolonged inaction will have regulatory consequences.
Fee Transparency and Retaliation Concerns Raise Alarms
Student reports and the whistleblower complaint note that college prospectuses deliberately lack clarity on year-wise fees. There is no transparent breakdown of internship-related charges, obscuring the true cost of education. Additionally, complainants allege that students protesting the fee structure have been threatened with academic penalties, including the risk of failing final professional exams or facing career obstacles.
The NMC reiterated that the onus for enforcing fee regulations lies with both the institution and the state. Colleges found in violation risk losing their annual renewal approvals, a sanction that could severely affect their operational standing.
Calls for Audit and Disciplinary Action Over Medical College Fee Irregularities
Complainants have called for immediate intervention, demanding that all excess fee collections be frozen and that a special audit be conducted into the financial practices of the concerned colleges. They are also pushing for disciplinary action against DMER officials who failed to act. Furthermore, the students seek a full refund of illegally collected amounts, including accrued interest.
If these demands are not addressed within seven working days, students have warned they will pursue legal remedies. These may include criminal complaints, contempt of court proceedings, and other judicial interventions.
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Systemic Issues in Maharashtra’s Private Medical Education Sector
This MBBS Illegal fees controversy underscores broader governance failures in Maharashtra’s medical education system. The NMC’s aggressive stance signals its intent to enforce compliance and protect students from unjust financial burdens. Continued disregard from DMER may lead to stringent regulatory actions against not just individual colleges but the overseeing authorities as well.
Sprouts News will continue monitoring developments as the deadline approaches, keeping stakeholders informed on the NMC’s next move and its broader implications for medical education governance in India.
