D Y Patil Medical College Faces MMC Heat
•Dean’s Appointment Triggers Medical Registration Row
•Dr. Rekha Arcot Under MMC Eligibility Scanner — Appointed Over 6 Months Ago
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Dr. Rekha Arcot’s appointment as Dean of Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Pune, has sparked controversy due to her lack of registration with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC). Holding credentials solely from the Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC), her eligibility is now under question. The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) reveals internal tensions and growing demands for transparent institutional accountability.
MMC Registration Discrepancy Raises Leadership Legitimacy Concerns
Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre in Pune has come under scrutiny following the appointment of Dr. Rekha Arcot as Dean and Professor in the Department of General Surgery. The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) discovered that while Dr. Arcot is registered with the Tamil Nadu Medical Council (Registration No. 50179, valid until September 2025), she is not registered with the Maharashtra Medical Council—a possible breach of state-specific eligibility norms for academic leadership.
A thorough search by the Sprouts News SIT on the MMC’s official portal yielded no record of her registration. This discrepancy has reignited debate on whether inter-state medical registrations are sufficient for administrative and academic roles in Maharashtra.
Senior medical professionals argue that council registration within the state is not just a formality, but a regulatory necessity—especially for faculty leadership—ensuring oversight, accountability, and compliance with directives from the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Internal Turmoil and Faculty Dissent Over Opaque Appointment Process
Despite mounting scrutiny, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College has not publicly clarified the basis of Dr. Arcot’s appointment. Her name remains listed as Dean and Professor of General Surgery on the institution’s official website. The administration’s silence has triggered discontent among faculty and alumni, who now question the transparency and integrity of the recruitment process.
An internal source informed the Sprouts News SIT that the usual vetting procedures were reportedly bypassed during her appointment. The source added that this has sparked unease across departments, especially as the controversy gains public attention.
Dr. Divyansh Dwivedi, a former surgical resident, is believed to have filed a grievance with medical regulatory bodies. Though details remain confidential, the complaint has further fueled reputational risks for the institution.
Medical Council Rules Under Scrutiny: State vs. National Registration Debate
This issue has divided the medical and academic community in Maharashtra. Some stakeholders contend that valid registration in any state medical council should be sufficient for academic roles—especially if clinical duties are minimal. However, others emphasize that MMC registration is essential for senior academic and leadership positions, which influence institutional policy, education, and public health strategy.
“State-specific registration ensures localized accountability and adherence to regional regulatory norms,” noted a senior Pune-based medical practitioner who requested anonymity.
While the Tamil Nadu Medical Council confirmed Dr. Arcot’s active registration, it refrained from commenting on her appointment in Maharashtra, citing jurisdictional constraints.
Impact on Institutional Credibility and Urban Medical Education
Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College—an institution with over 1,700 beds and an annual intake of 250 MBBS students—is a cornerstone of healthcare education in Western India. However, the ongoing registration controversy has begun to undermine confidence among students, faculty, and healthcare stakeholders.
A third-year MBBS student told the Sprouts News SIT, “If the administration isn’t transparent about who leads us, how can we trust the system training us to become responsible doctors?”
Regulatory bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Medical Commission (NMC) have yet to comment officially. However, legal experts believe the case may escalate to the national level if institutional and regulatory silence continues.
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Call for Standardized Guidelines in Medical Faculty Appointments
This controversy has reignited calls for nationwide consistency in medical faculty appointment criteria. Should leadership positions in medical colleges be governed by pan-India registration norms? The MMC maintains that institutions must “strictly verify and document state-specific registrations” before confirming such appointments.
A former MMC office-bearer told the Sprouts News SIT, “This is more than a paperwork issue—it affects the academic credibility of one of Maharashtra’s top institutions. A Dean’s role must be held to the highest ethical and legal standards.”
Policy analysts suggest that this case could become a precedent-setting moment for inter-state registration recognition and academic governance across India.
Patil Medical College: Awaiting Institutional Accountability and Regulatory Oversight
As scrutiny intensifies, pressure mounts on Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College’s governing council and the Maharashtra Medical Council to respond. Without a formal explanation, concerns over non-compliance, administrative oversight, and academic integrity are expected to persist.
Amidst the leadership controversy, the institution is scheduled to host its 16th Convocation on May 26, 2025, with Maharashtra Governor Hon’ble Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan as the Chief Guest.
The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) will continue its in-depth coverage and coordination with TNMC, MMC, and UGC to ensure accountability in this matter of significant public and institutional interest.
