0
0
New Delhi, June 9, 2025:
A severe administrative crisis has struck the medical community in the national capital, as the non-functioning of the Delhi Medical Council (DMC) has left hundreds of doctors without valid registrations and, consequently, without salaries. The United Doctors’ Front association has made an urgent appeal to the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), highlighting the dire consequences of the DMC’s collapse on doctors’ livelihoods and patient care across Delhi’s government hospitals.
Registration Backlog Halts Salaries and Legal Practice
The root of the crisis lies in the absence of a Registrar at the DMC, which has completely stalled the processing of permanent registration applications for doctors who have completed their MBBS and are actively serving in hospitals. Without these registrations, doctors are unable to legally practice or receive their salaries, despite fulfilling all eligibility requirements and continuing to provide essential healthcare services.
According to the United Doctors’ Front, the backlog of registration applications has been growing for months. The association’s letter to the DGHS urgently seeks clarity on when a new Registrar will be appointed so that registration processing can resume.
Technical Glitches Add to Doctors’ Woes
The situation is further exacerbated by persistent technical failures on the DMC’s official website. Doctors report frequent crashes, payment gateway malfunctions, and a non-functional appointment booking system for document verification. Many applicants have faced deductions from their accounts without receiving any confirmation or receipt, leading to confusion and distress. Repeated attempts to contact the DMC by email or phone have gone unanswered, leaving doctors in the dark about the status of their applications.
Salary Delays Demoralize Medical Professionals
The most pressing consequence, as highlighted by the United Doctors’ Front, is the delay in salary disbursal. Several doctors currently serving in government health facilities are unable to receive their pay because their registrations remain pending. This has left many demoralized, as they continue to serve patients without remuneration.
Immediate Demands and Broader Implications
In their letter, the doctors have made several urgent demands:
-
Immediate appointment of a new DMC Registrar
-
A formal directive from the DGHS to government institutions to release pending salaries
-
Technical repairs to the DMC’s digital infrastructure
-
Introduction of a temporary manual or provisional registration mechanism
-
Establishment of a helpdesk or grievance redressal system
The All FMGs Association (AFA) has also voiced concerns, warning that the DMC’s collapse could undermine the regulation of doctors and the broader public health system—especially as many Foreign Medical Graduates await their compulsory internships.
Administrative Developments
The crisis follows a proposal by the Delhi Government to dissolve the DMC amid allegations of mismanagement and irregularities. The proposal, already approved by Health Minister Pankaj Singh, is pending acceptance from the Lieutenant Governor’s office. In the interim, the Health Department has tasked the DGHS with overseeing the DMC’s functions until a new regulatory body is constituted.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by Medical Dialogues and other publicly available sources as of June 9, 2025. The situation is evolving, and readers are advised to consult official government notifications or contact the Delhi Medical Council or Directorate General of Health Services for the latest updates. The article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
