NEW DELHI: Medical students at Rama Medical College in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, are currently protesting against the college administration due to delayed stipends and inadequate facilities.
The students claim they have not received their stipends for the past two months and are demanding the immediate release of these funds. They are also calling for an increase in stipends to align with the standards set by the National Medical Commission (NMC), saying that their current stipends are significantly lower than those provided in government hospitals.
In addition to financial grievances, the students have raised concerns about the inadequate medical equipment and lack of basic amenities at the college hospital. They have pointed out that the existing facilities are insufficient for the proper training and care of patients.
ALSO READ: India saw 69% jump in number of medical colleges under PM Modi
The condition of the hostels has also been criticized, with students describing them as substandard. They insist that these issues must be addressed to meet acceptable standards.
According to NMC guidelines, postgraduate resident doctors are entitled to 20 days of casual leave annually. However, the students allege that they are not granted these leaves.
This protest follows a similar one that took place at the Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences last month. In that instance, students claimed that the administration threatened their parents in an attempt to quell the protests. The recurring nature of these protests highlights a broader issue within private medical colleges.
Rama Medical College, established in 2011 by the Rama Educational Society, has been known for its commitment to providing quality medical education and healthcare services. The institution offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a super-specialty hospital with over 1050 beds and numerous advanced medical departments.
ALSO READ: One Medical College Per District, UP Paves Way For Medical Revolution
Despite these resources, the current student protests suggest significant gaps between the college’s potential and the actual experiences of its students.
The administration of Rama Medical College has not yet issued a statement addressing the students’ demands. Meanwhile, the protests continue, drawing attention to the urgent need for reforms in how stipends, facilities, and student welfare are managed.
The outcome of these protests could have implications for other medical institutions facing similar issues, potentially sparking a wider movement for better conditions and more equitable treatment of medical students across the country.