Maharashtra transfers doctors to open new medical colleges

Maharashtra has opened 10 new medical colleges, but it has come at a price. To meet regulations from the National Medical Commission (NMC), the state transferred 200 doctors from established government hospitals to these new institutions on a "loan basis." This has left some existing hospitals without key medical staff. Some doctors were sent to the new colleges temporarily for inspections and later returned to their original hospitals. However, many doctors are still at the new colleges because the state is just starting the hiring process. This information was revealed through a Right to Information (RTI) request made by a doctor from J J Hospital. The new medical colleges, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi last October, are located across Mumbai, Nashik, Jalna, and other regions. Department officials stated that transfers were only made when there was an excess of staff, such as sending one professor from a pair. This strategy aimed to quickly get the new colleges operational. In the past, the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) faced criticism for similar transfers prior to NMC inspections. For example, 33 faculty members were moved for an upcoming inspection in Parbhani. In Mumbai, many doctors were nominally listed as working at the newly formed Government Medical College, which was created by merging two hospitals. Although some doctors have returned after inspections, the new colleges still face staff shortages. The DMER claims they will return to their original posts once new recruitment is complete. However, concerns have been raised about the long-term impacts of this practice. Doctors from established hospitals feel the absence of their colleagues undermines their services. They argue that the loss of experienced practitioners affects education and patient care. Dr. Pratik Debaje from the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors emphasized that when senior doctors are moved, it has lasting effects on the hospitals they leave behind.