71 West Bengal Medical Colleges Face NMC Notices and Penalties Over Last Two Years

Kolkata, July 31, 2025 — The Union Health Ministry has revealed extensive violations of National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines by 71 medical colleges—encompassing both government and private institutions—in West Bengal over the past two academic years. This disclosure follows a written reply in the Rajya Sabha by Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.

Widespread Deficiencies and Regulatory Action

In the academic year 2024–25, 34 colleges were found deficient, and 37 more in 2025–26. These deficiencies related largely to faculty shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and non-compliance with clinical standards. All identified institutions received show-cause notices; several were subject to monetary penalties. For 2025–26, conditional renewal of MBBS seats was granted only after reviewing compliance reports from the colleges.

Unauthorized Medical Colleges Flagged

One of the most severe violations involved Sanjiban Hospital and Medical College in Howrah, which was found operating without NMC approval. On May 19, 2025, the NMC issued an advisory warning students and parents against enrolling in unapproved medical colleges that falsely claim recognition.

Seat Reductions and Departmental Penalties

The NMC’s Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) imposed penalties on multiple colleges due to core deficiencies, including faculty shortages, infrastructure gaps, and biometric attendance issues. Seat reductions were enforced under the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023.

Even leading institutions were penalized:

• Bankura Sammilani Medical College saw seat cuts in Anesthesiology, General Medicine, General Surgery, and Pediatrics.

• Midnapore Medical College experienced reductions in Anesthesiology and General Medicine.

• Burdwan Medical College faced cuts in Dermatology-Venereology-Leprosy and General Surgery.

• Prestigious urban centers like IPGMER, Medical College Kolkata, RG Kar Medical College, and Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College had seats reduced in fields including Obstetrics & Gynecology, Respiratory Medicine, General Medicine, and General Surgery.

Government’s Stance and Protective Measures

The Health Ministry affirmed a firm approach to upholding the NMC’s educational standards. Actions include monetary fines, seat reductions, and alerts to protect students from illegal institutions. The NMC’s public advisory on May 19, 2025, reiterated that only approved institutions may lawfully offer regulated medical education.

“Under Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of NMC vide its Advisory dated 19.5.2025 has issued alert to all concerned stakeholders against unauthorized medical colleges operating in the country without requisite approvals from NMC and misleading students and parents by claiming recognition and offering admissions in medical courses that are not legally sanctioned,” stated the Minister.

Summary Table: Colleges with Penal Actions

Disclaimer

This news article is based on information published by Medical Dialogues and public statements by the Union Health Ministry and the National Medical Commission. Readers are encouraged to consult official notifications for comprehensive details and updates.