MARD WRITES TO NMC ASKING TO WAIVE OFF SEAT LEAVING PENALTY OF ₹20 LAKH

MUMBAI: After the National Medical Commission (NMC) acknowledged and formed a task force to tackle mental health-related issues among medical students, the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) wrote to the regulator for medical education and practice to end the penalty imposed for leaving seat in any way or form. In Maharashtra, the penalty for leaving the medical seat is ₹20 lakh. Calling it a draconian rule imposed on young doctors, the association said it is unreasonable to charge exorbitant amounts from the doctors which is also a significant contributor to resident doctors across the country dying by suicide. “Central MARD was the first resident doctors’ association in the country to highlight the harmful impact of seat leaving bond penalty on the minds of young doctors. We found that there were innumerable instances where doctors resorted to suicide due to the unreasonable and exorbitant bond penalty that exists in varying magnitude and forms throughout the country,” said Dr Abhijit Helge, president, Central MARD.

According to NMC data, 153 MBBS and 1,120 doctors pursuing PG medical courses dropped out of their institutes in the last five years. Apart from the dropouts, at least 122 medical students, 64 in MBBS and 58 in post-graduate courses died by suicide between 2018 - 2023.

MARD’S concerns were heard in an anti-ragging committee meeting held by NMC on January 19 after which it instructed all state governments to review the seat bond policy. It was noted that the exorbitant amount not only exacerbates the financial strain but also acts as a deterrent for seeking mental health support from the family.