The National Medical Commission (NMC) has expressed serious concern regarding rising ragging incidents, including a recent tragic case at GMERS Medical College, Dharpur, resulting in the death of a first-year MBBS student. Such incidents highlight the urgency for stricter enforcement of anti-ragging mechanisms.
Key Highlights
Rising Incidents of Ragging
The NMC continues to receive complaints of ragging among undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students. Issues include: Mental harassment, Physical abuse and Suicides.
Reports are usually submitted via: NMC’s Anti-Ragging Cell (antiragging@nmc.org.in), UGC Anti-Ragging Helpline and other Media platforms.
Regulatory Framework
The Prevention and Prohibition of Ragging in Medical Colleges and Institutions Regulations, 2021 outline measures for curbing ragging, including:
- Clause 5: Institutional duties to prohibit and prevent ragging.
- Clause 6: Specific actions to stop ragging.
- Clause 7: Establishment of Anti-Ragging Squads.
Compliance Gaps
NMC identified lapses, including: Insufficient monitoring mechanisms, Lack of Anti-Ragging Squads, Failure to submit annual Anti-Ragging Reports and Weak preventive measures within campuses.
Recommendations
The National Medical Commission (NMC) emphasises the critical need for medical institutions to implement robust anti-ragging measures to ensure students’ safety and well-being.
Institutions are urged to activate Anti-Ragging Squads to effectively monitor and identify ragging activities within campuses. Additionally, creating widespread awareness about anti-ragging policies among students, faculty, and staff is essential to foster a culture of zero tolerance toward harassment.
Timely submission of annual Anti-Ragging Reports is also mandated to maintain transparency and accountability. Above all, institutions must establish a safe and supportive environment free from any form of harassment, ensuring a conducive atmosphere for academic and personal growth.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Institutions failing to adhere to these measures will face strict penalties as per the 2021 Regulations.
To ensure a conducive learning environment, medical colleges must prioritize the implementation of these anti-ragging mechanisms. Institutions are expected to demonstrate commitment by actively monitoring and addressing any form of ragging, fostering students’ safety and well-being.
The Medical Bulletin
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