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New Delhi, July 9, 2025 — The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced a sweeping freeze on all approvals for new medical colleges, seat increases, and renewals for the academic year 2025-26. This unprecedented move comes in response to a massive bribery scandal that has rocked India’s medical education sector, with allegations of fraudulent approvals granted to institutions lacking basic infrastructure, qualified faculty, and adequate patient care facilities.
The decision follows a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe that uncovered a corruption racket involving bribes exchanged for regulatory clearances. Raids were conducted at 40 medical colleges across multiple states, including Gujarat, where Swaminarayan Medical College in Kalol was among those searched. In total, 36 individuals have been arrested so far, including 11 officials from central and state health departments, and three doctors linked to private medical colleges. Dr. J L Meena, Joint Director at the NMC, is among the highest-ranking officials accused of accepting bribes.
According to investigators, the scam may be worth over ₹1,000 crore. The CBI has booked 34 people, including eight officials from the Union Health Ministry, a National Health Authority officer, and five doctors from the NMC’s inspection team. Prominent private medical college administrators and religious figures, such as Swami Bhagat Vatsalyadasji of Swaminarayan Medical College and Guru Ravishankarji in Chhattisgarh, have also been implicated in offering bribes for institutional recognition.
To restore integrity in the sector, the NMC will deploy teams of senior professors to inspect existing colleges in the coming weeks. All institutions have been warned to comply strictly with NMC norms. Industry insiders say the freeze will disrupt plans of private players looking to launch new colleges or increase their intake, but many agree a system-wide clean-up is overdue3.
The NMC’s decision is being seen as a critical step to address deep-rooted corruption and ensure that only institutions meeting prescribed standards are allowed to operate.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of July 9, 2025. Details regarding the investigation and the NMC’s actions are subject to change as new developments emerge. Readers are advised to consult official sources for the latest updates.
