PG doctors to be deployed in disaster-hit areas under District Residency Programme

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has instructed that postgraduate medical students be deployed to flood-affected areas in northern states and Union Territories to support relief efforts amid ongoing heavy rains.

According to a circular issued by the Commission on Saturday, these deployments will be counted as part of the District Residency Programme (DRP), which provides postgraduate students with practical exposure to healthcare needs at the community level.

“In view of the recent floods/disaster-like situations in the northern states and UTs of the country, there is an urgent requirement for healthcare professionals as part of the ongoing relief measures,” the circular said.

It added that the initiative will allow young medical professionals to gain experience in disaster response, public health management, and community service, thereby enhancing their training.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also called for strengthening healthcare services using available resources.

Many postgraduate students have volunteered to support the relief operations in the affected areas.

“Considering the unique opportunity for both learning and service, the National Medical Commission recognises this as a valuable component of postgraduate training,” the circular stated.

“Accordingly, the deployment of postgraduate medical students in the flood/disaster-affected areas of northern states/UTs shall be considered as part of the District Residency Programme training. The nodal officers of the respective states/UTs may do such postings of students undergoing DRP posting as per the requirement,” it added.