Team Siliconindia

• NMC proposes 3-tier grievance redressal system for medical students at the college, university, and state levels.
• Complaints span fees, stipends, ragging, academics, and must be addressed first by the originating institution before escalating.
• Online grievance portal activated for unresolved issues, with NMC stepping in only when necessary for further resolution.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed that a three-level mechanism be established to address complaints of medical students. It would function at the level of the medical college, university, and state medical education department.

In a circular, the NMC stated it has been receiving complaints from medical students, their parents, and other stakeholders regarding academic and clinical training-related issues. These are charging high fees, non-payment or delay of stipends, ragging or harassment, internship issues, issues with college staff or faculty, disciplinary issues, health and safety issues, and academic issues such as curriculum, attendance, teaching methodology, exams, and assessments.

The NMC has pointed out that the majority of these problems can be resolved at the college or university level. If not addressed there, then the next option would be the directorate of the state or medical education department.

"If a complaint warrants action at the NMC level, the same may be referred to NMC for resolution as necessary", the advisory added.

The NMC has requested an appropriate mechanism to be put in place at all three levels. A complaint should initially be forwarded to the medical college or institute, followed by the university, and then the Directorate of Medical Education or the state's health and medical education department if necessary.

"Efforts to the maximum extent possible are to be made by the stakeholders for effective and timely redressal of the grievances of the students/stakeholders, with an endeavor that all the grievances are dealt with at the levels from where the grievances originate", the NMC stated.

It further stated that an online portal has been enabled by the NMC where students and other stakeholders can register unresolved grievances.