No college building, hostel: MBBS students at Delhi’s RML hospital write to health minister

The student added: “We have three lecture rooms — two in the main building and one across the road in the psychiatry department. Whenever there is a space constraint, our lectures are conducted in the auditorium in the main building. Even the labs have space issues.”

Currently, there are around 400 MBBS students across the four years. Out of the 290 boys, only 80 have been given free hostel accommodation in a nearby dharamshala on Mandir Marg, 1.3 km away from campus. Out of the 110 girl students, 40 have got hostel accommodation on campus.

Many students, who come from Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad, said travelling long distances to campus doesn’t leave time for them to concentrate on their studies. “Many are living on rent in areas such as Rajinder Nagar and spending Rs 20,000 for a 1BHK set,” said a student.

When asked about the construction of the medical college, Dr Nandini Duggal, Director and Medical Superintendent of RML Hospital, told The Indian Express that the building is planned at the plot and procedure for various approvals are in process. The design is in the final stage and once approved, it will be presented before the Ministry for financial approval. “The administration is well aware of the issues faced by medical students and all necessary measures are being taken to expedite the relevant projects,” she said.

On starting the hostel facility, she said structural work is 100% complete, however, internal finishing work and process of approvals from different agencies are awaited. “The hospital administration is sensitive towards the difficulty faced by students and residents and is putting its utmost effort to ensure early completion,” she added.