Srinagar, May 3: The National Medical Council (NMC) has issued a warning to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Medical College Srinagar regarding potential reductions in its MBBS quota due to persisting deficiencies, reported Daily Excelsior.
The Director Under Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of NMC, Shambhu Sharan Kumar, signed a Show Cause Notice dated 29/04/2024, indicating that SKIMS authorities have failed to address these issues despite numerous warnings.
The notice highlighted the college’s non-compliance with directives related to the submission of annual declaration forms and video recordings of examinations. SKIMS was directed to furnish details on the NMC Portal and provide video recordings of annual examinations.
Deficiencies in the Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System were also noted, with the authorities repeatedly informed about these issues.
Experts nominated by the NMC observed deficiencies in various aspects of SKIMS Medical College, including faculty attendance records, bed capacity, and medical procedures.
The college was given a final opportunity to explain these discrepancies through a virtual hearing on May 1. Failure to provide satisfactory explanations may result in penalties, including seat reductions or monetary fines, as per the Maintenance of Standard of Medical Education Regulation 2023.
The NMC warned SKIMS Medical College that failure to address these issues promptly could lead to further action. The college authorities were instructed to explain why MBBS seats should not be reduced for the upcoming academic year or why a monetary penalty should not be imposed.
The committee emphasised the seriousness of the situation and urged SKIMS to provide explanations within three days of receiving the notice.
Principal Dr Irfan Rabani stated that the Show Cause Notice was sent to multiple medical colleges nationwide. He confirmed a recent virtual meeting with NMC authorities to discuss the concerns raised. Dr Rabani expressed optimism about resolving the issues promptly, indicating that detailed information was provided during the meeting.
