No Compromise on Paying Stipends: Damodar Rajanarsimha

Hyderabad: Health minister Damodar Rajanarsimha said there should be no compromise when it came to paying stipends to medical students. He stated that several complaints had been received against private medical colleges for not paying stipends in time, or paying the students and reclaiming the money. He warned that such practices affect students education and strict action would be taken if necessary.

The minister speaking at a review meeting held at the Secretariat on Monday with the managements, principals and deans of private medical colleges. The meeting focused on issues such as quality of education, faculty, student attendance, fee structures and compliance with National Medical Commission (NMC) regulations.

Parigi MLA Rammohan Reddy, Health Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu, Kaloji Health University Vice Chancellor Nandkumar Reddy, Director of Medical Education Dr. Narendra Kumar and other senior officials were present.

The health minister said Telangana doctors have earned a good reputation globally and many now lead top healthcare institutions abroad. He credited the quality of medical education in the state for this achievement.

However, he expressed concern over reports that some private colleges are using ghost faculty showing names of teachers who do not actually work there. He said this is a serious issue and the government will act tough against colleges that lower education standards.

He instructed all teaching hospitals attached to these colleges to follow the Clinical Establishments Act properly. He also warned colleges not to pressure students for extra or advance fees.

The health minister assured that the government will talk to the NMC about the concerns raised by colleges and try to find solutions.