Sun Dec 08 06:59:32 UTC 2024: ## NMC Cracks Down on “Fake Patients” in Indian Medical Colleges
**Bengaluru, December 8, 2024** – The National Medical Commission (NMC) has launched a crackdown on medical colleges using “fake patients” to meet accreditation requirements. New guidelines released by the NMC’s Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) mandate strict scrutiny of patient records during inspections for the approval of new colleges and increased student intake for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The NMC’s concern stems from the observation that some institutions inflate their patient numbers by admitting individuals who require minimal or no treatment. The guidelines explicitly define this practice as a “serious violation,” punishable under MARB rules.
Inspectors are now instructed to carefully examine several factors, including:
* **Admission timing:** A surge in admissions immediately before or on the day of inspection will be flagged.
* **Treatment necessity:** Patients admitted with minor ailments treatable with outpatient care will be scrutinized.
* **Lack of investigations:** Absence of pre- or post-admission investigations like X-rays or blood tests will raise suspicion.
* **Minimal treatment:** Patients receiving minimal treatment (e.g., oral medication only) despite inpatient status will be noted.
* **Family admissions:** An unusually high number of patients from the same family will be investigated.
* **Preventive health check-ups:** Inflated admissions resulting from preventive health check-ups will be considered suspicious.
Furthermore, the guidelines emphasize the importance of maintaining adequate faculty and staff throughout the year, aligning with the Minimum Standards of Requirements (MSR).
Dr. B.L. Sujatha Rathod, Director of the Directorate of Medical Education, confirmed that the state will implement the NMC’s regulations. The NMC’s move underscores its commitment to maintaining high standards in medical education and ensuring genuine clinical training for students.
First Piper 