Students can't be forced to stay in costly hostels, warns NMC

• Image Credit: Google

• Feb 10, 2024 | Guriya Khatun

Although PG students must have adequate residential amenities from their colleges, the NMC emphasized that students are not obliged to remain in the hostels.

Digital Desk: Medical schools around the nation have received a strong warning from the National Medical Commission (NMC) on their postgraduate student housing policy.

Although PG students must have adequate residential amenities from their colleges, the NMC emphasized that students are not obliged to remain in the hostels.

"As per the regulation 5.6 of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulation (PGMER), 2023, it will be mandatory for the college to provide appropriate residential accommodation to postgraduate students. However, it will not be mandatory for the postgraduate students to stay in the hostel," read the official notification.

HEFTY CHARGES RAISE ALARM

The warning follows several student complaints about the outrageous costs institutions charge for dorm accommodations.

"However, a number of complaints have been received from PG students alleging that the medical colleges/institutions are compelling them to stay in the hostel offered by the medical colleges/ institutions and a hefty amount is being charged on this account," the notice adds.

According to it, these actions are against the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulation (PGMER), 2023, Regulation 5.6.

DIRECTIVES TO MEDICAL COLLEGES

The commission has directed that the guidelines contained in the PGMER, 2023 be rigorously followed by all medical colleges and institutes. Punitive actions as outlined in Regulations 9.1 and 9.2 may be taken in the event of noncompliance.

Colleges found to be charging exorbitant fees and pressuring students to choose hostel accommodations may face severe consequences, as stated by the NMC.

Penalties can take the form of monetary fines, seat reductions, or even the suspension of admission rights.