From irregular stipends, overwork and poor infrastructure to ‘training’ crisis: FAIMA nationwide survey calls for urgent reforms in medical colleges

It gathered responses from over 2,000 medical professionals across 28 states and Union Territories. At least 90.3 per cent of respondents were from government medical colleges, 7.8 per cent from private institutions, and 1.9 per cent from government-aided colleges. Participants included undergraduate students, postgraduate residents, and faculty members.

Survey findings indicate that 59.1 per cent of PG students reported receiving adequate support for their thesis or research work, including guidance, ethics clearance and library facilities, while 40.9 per cent expressed dissatisfaction. Encouragingly, 71.7 per cent reported adequate patient exposure necessary for developing clinical competence.

“However, systemic issues persist. When it comes to stipends, 62.2 per cent reported irregular payments, impacting morale and financial stability. Additionally, only 35.4 per cent found departmental laboratories, equipment, and OPD/IPD facilities adequate for training purposes,” the survey said.

The organisation recommended strict monitoring and uniform disbursement practices to ensure timely payment.

The survey also found that 50.5 per cent of PG residents lacked confidence in managing patients or performing surgeries independently after completion of their residency.

Severe faculty shortages persist, particularly in newer colleges — often with a single senior resident or assistant professor managing entire departments. In FAIMA’s RMS survey, 41.1 per cent of students reported the absence of adequate clinical teaching facilities. Additionally, 39.2 per cent of postgraduate students mentioned the non-availability of assigned PG guides. They have urged that the focus should be on improving the quality of education, not merely increasing seat numbers.

“Institutions that fail to provide sufficient clinical exposure or patient training must undergo review to ensure the production of competent, well-trained doctors,” FAIMA said.

Another major concern highlighted in the RMS survey is the lack of fixed duty hours. At least 70.5 per cent of postgraduate residents reported having none, contributing significantly to mental stress and burnout.

With rising suicides among medicos, every college should have a Mental Health Committee, 24×7 helpline, and at least two counsellors per 500 students, it said.

“Family involvement in mental health programs should be encouraged. The Mental Health committee should have regular meetings with NMC,” said a survey coordinator.

The findings also show infrastructure gaps in newly established and expanded medical colleges, including a lack of clean water, hostel facilities, libraries, and labs, as well as inadequate campus security.
Dr Manish Jangra, Chairman, FAIMA, said a delegation met Dr Abhijat Sheth, Chairman, National Medical Commission, who assured that the recommendations would be reviewed for possible inclusion in upcoming policy decisions.