Fraud Alert: NMC cautions medical colleges against fake recognition letters

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a crucial notice alerting medical colleges about the presence of counterfeit recognition letters for postgraduate (PG) programs. These false documents, bearing the purported signature of Dr. Vijay Oza, president of the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), have been circulating through dedicated emails and speed post. The official notice can be accessed on NMC's primary website, nmc.org.in.

Vigilance and Caution in the Medical Community

The commission strongly emphasizes the need for vigilance among stakeholders, especially medical colleges, against these fraudulent letters. Authentic letters of recognition or renewal are advised to be received solely through postal correspondence from NMC or PGMEB, or via dedicated emails from NMC.

Previous Warnings and Instances

Earlier alerts in September targeted medical institutions in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, cautioning them about fabricated authorization letters. Incidents were reported at Santhiram Medical College in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh; GSL Medical College in Rajahmundry; Meenakshi Medical College in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu; and GR Medical College Hospital and Research Centre in Karnataka.

MARB Sanctioned Institutions for 2023–24

The NMC disclosed a comprehensive list of medical colleges that received permission or renewal of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) seats for the academic year 2023–24. This sanction was provided by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB).

Role of MARB and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Established in August 2019, the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is tasked with evaluating and rating both public and private medical institutions. Their assessments are based on adherence to the commission's set standards.

Addressing Medical Negligence and Grievances

Cases or grievances related to medical negligence are directed to the respective State Medical Council or the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare in the concerned State or Union Territory. Guidelines set in the Indian Medical Council (IMC) – Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics Regulations of 2002, governed by the Indian Medical Council Act of 1956, are followed in addressing these issues.

Appeal Process for Disagreements

The ministry highlighted that individuals disagreeing with the State Medical Council's decision can file an appeal with the Ethics and Medical Registration Board of the National Medical Commission.

In summary, the cautionary notice by the National Medical Commission underscores the significance of validating recognition letters received by medical institutions and advocates stringent adherence to authorized channels of communication. It also sheds light on the role of regulatory bodies and processes involved in upholding medical education standards and addressing concerns of negligence within the healthcare domain.