Medical Colleges That Underpay Staff to Be Denied Government Support, Says Health Minister

 

In a bold move aimed at improving working conditions in the medical education sector, the Union Health Minister has announced that medical colleges found underpaying their faculty or staff will no longer be eligible for any form of government assistance.

The announcement was made during a press conference held in New Delhi, where the minister emphasized the importance of fair compensation in maintaining the quality and integrity of medical education in India.

“We cannot allow institutions that exploit medical professionals to thrive on public funds,” the minister said.
“Government support will be strictly reserved for those who follow ethical pay standards and treat their staff with dignity.”

Zero Tolerance for Exploitative Practices

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has received increasing complaints over the years about private and even some government-aided colleges offering salaries below prescribed norms, especially to junior doctors, nurses, and teaching faculty. Such practices, officials say, not only demoralize professionals but also threaten the future of healthcare training.

According to sources, a new auditing mechanism will be introduced to regularly assess the pay structures of both public and private medical colleges. Institutions found violating the rules could face strict penalties, including:

• Withdrawal of funding or grants

• Suspension of student intake licenses

• Potential disaffiliation from recognized medical boards

Reactions from the Medical Community

The response from the medical fraternity has been largely positive. Many doctors and teaching professionals have long campaigned for better pay, citing long working hours and increasing responsibilities in both teaching and patient care.

Dr. Anjali Mehra, a senior faculty member at a Delhi-based private college, welcomed the announcement:

“It’s high time the government took a stand. Fair pay is a basic right. This move could finally push exploitative institutions to change their practices.”

However, some private medical college associations have expressed concern over the timing and implementation of the new policy. They argue that while the intent is valid, the sudden withdrawal of government support could cripple colleges that are already struggling with high operational costs.

A Step Toward Reform in Medical Education

The Health Minister’s statement is being seen as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at regulating the quality of medical education in India. Earlier this year, the government had introduced stricter guidelines for infrastructure, student-teacher ratios, and internship training in medical colleges.

As the country faces a growing demand for healthcare professionals, ensuring a fair and ethical working environment is becoming increasingly crucial.

The policy is expected to come into effect from the next academic year, giving institutions a limited window to regularize their pay structures.