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Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Medical College (SABV-GMC) in Faridabad, once hailed as a cornerstone of Haryana’s ambitious plan to establish a medical college in every district, is now mired in controversy and crisis. Inaugurated in 2022 with promises of transforming healthcare accessibility, the institution is reportedly struggling with severe shortages, administrative neglect, and allegations of harassment against doctors raising concerns.
Systemic Shortages and Patient Care Compromised
Doctors at SABV-GMC allege that the institution suffers from a chronic lack of essential medical supplies and equipment. Junior residents report working without supervision, with basic medicines such as Duolin and Foracort unavailable for patients in need. The emergency department lacks sufficient monitors, the operation theatre is non-operational, and there are no functional wards in any department. Critically, key departments are missing senior residents and professors, leaving junior doctors to manage complex cases alone.
Dr Amit Vyas, State President of the United Doctors Front (UDF), described the situation as a “devastating picture of institutional failure,” attributing the crisis to a policy focus on publicity over planning. “When a government medical college is announced, the focus is often on grand ceremonies, while planning for infrastructure, equipment, faculty, and administrative systems is neglected,” Dr Vyas stated.
Financial Exploitation and Institutional Harassment Alleged
Beyond resource shortages, doctors allege financial exploitation through the denial of Dearness Allowances (DA) and claim institutional harassment for those who protest. Junior resident Dr Adarsh Tripathi recounted having to purchase asthma medication for patients from his own pocket due to the hospital’s inability to provide it. He also cited frequent delays and misplacement of lab reports, further compromising patient care.
Efforts to raise these issues internally were reportedly met with resistance. Dr Tripathi claimed he was harassed during a “surprise inspection” after declaring intent to strike over unpaid allowances, receiving a show cause notice from a senior faculty member. “This is institutional harassment. I’m being targeted for raising legitimate concerns,” he said, adding that he may seek legal recourse if the situation does not improve.
Formal Complaints and Calls for Transparency
In response to these persistent challenges, the UDF has filed formal complaints with the National Medical Commission (NMC), citing violations of medical education standards at SABV-GMC. Dr Tripathi has also submitted a Right to Information (RTI) application seeking clarity on infrastructure audits, faculty appointments, fund allocations, and pending DA disbursements. These actions are aimed at documenting systemic failures and pushing for greater transparency and accountability.
A Broader Policy Dilemma
The crisis at SABV-GMC highlights a deeper contradiction in Indian healthcare policy: the tension between ambitious expansion and the sustained commitment required to create functional medical institutions. As the doctors’ struggle continues, the situation at SABV-GMC serves as a critical test of whether India’s healthcare system can move beyond political symbolism to deliver on its promises to the public.
Disclaimer: This article is based on allegations and claims made by doctors and representatives at SABV-GMC, as reported by EdexLive. The institution and relevant authorities have not publicly responded to these specific allegations at the time of publication. The situation is developing, and further updates may provide additional perspectives or clarifications.
