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Pune, May 23, 2025:
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has initiated an investigation into the appointment of Dr. Arcot as Dean of DY Patil Medical College, Pune, after allegations surfaced that she is practicing without a valid registration from the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC). This development raises critical questions about compliance with state-specific medical regulations and the oversight of academic leadership in medical institutions.
Allegations and Complaint
The controversy began when Dr. Divyansh Dwivedi lodged a formal complaint with the Vice-President Secretariat, alleging that Dr. Arcot, who previously served as Dean at Apollo Jubilee Hills in Telangana, holds registration only with the Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC). According to Section 26 of the MMC Act 1965, all doctors practicing in Maharashtra must be registered with the MMC—a requirement Dr. Arcot allegedly does not meet.
Dr. Dwivedi further asserted that the NMC prohibits the employment of doctors without state-specific registrations and accused DY Patil Medical College of “misrepresenting an unregistered dean as qualified,” which he characterized as institutional fraud. He also cited Supreme Court observations and UGC norms mandating verified credentials for academic leadership.
Official Response and Ongoing Probe
In response to the complaint, the Under Secretary at the Vice-President Secretariat wrote to the NMC Secretary on May 16, 2025, urging immediate and appropriate action. The letter highlighted that multiple representations had been made, but the issue remains unresolved.
Dr. Dwivedi has demanded several actions, including:
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Immediate suspension of the Dean
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Filing of an FIR against the college management under IPC Sections 417 (Cheating) and 188 (Disobeying Public Order)
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Imposition of a ₹5 crore penalty on the college for endangering students and patients
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Criminal prosecution and potential disaffiliation by the UGC and Maharashtra Higher Education Department
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Sealing of the Dean’s office pending compliance
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Compensation for affected students and nullification of all orders passed by the Dean
Previous Incidents and Broader Concerns
This is not the first time DY Patil Medical College has faced regulatory scrutiny. Previously, the NMC directed the college to address allegations related to infrastructure deficiencies, financial irregularities, stipend deductions, and concerns regarding medical training and patient care. The college, however, stated that NMC assessors found no violations during inspections.
Additionally, the college has recently been investigated for allegedly collecting MBBS fees for five years instead of the prescribed 4.5 years, prompting the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of NMC to instruct the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Maharashtra, to take appropriate action.
What Happens Next?
The NMC is expected to clarify the registration status of Dr. Arcot and determine whether DY Patil Medical College has violated any statutory requirements. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for medical governance and the enforcement of licensing norms across India.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information and allegations reported by Medical Dialogues (source). The facts and claims mentioned are subject to official investigation and verification by the concerned authorities. No conclusions regarding guilt or innocence should be drawn until the investigation is complete.
