NMC sets up multi-level complaint mechanism for medical colleges

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced a structured, three-tier grievance redressal system aimed at addressing the concerns of medical students across the country.

Announced through a public notice on July 11, the move comes in response to numerous complaints from students, parents, and stakeholders regarding issues in medical education and clinical training.

Reported grievances include excessive fees, unpaid stipends, ragging, harassment, problems related to internships, faculty behavior, disciplinary actions, safety concerns, and other academic matters.

The NMC noted that many of these complaints can be resolved at the institutional or university level.

“If a grievance requires intervention at the NMC level, it may be escalated to the commission for necessary resolution,” the advisory read.

Under the new mechanism, students are first encouraged to file complaints directly with their college or institution.

If unresolved, the issue should then be taken to the affiliated university. The final level of escalation is the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) or the respective state’s Health and Medical Education Department.

To improve accessibility, colleges and universities have been instructed to create dedicated web portals for grievance submission. These links must be clearly visible on official websites to ensure ease of access for students.

The commission emphasized that “all-out efforts are to be made by the stakeholders for effective and speedy resolution of grievances, with the goal of addressing them at the level from which they arise.”

In addition, the NMC has launched its own online platform where students and stakeholders can register and submit unresolved complaints directly.

This multi-level approach is intended to bring more transparency, accountability, and quicker resolutions to student concerns within medical institutions.