Here's the latest proof that Maharashtra’s private medical-education system is being systematically undermined by the education barons who run it. Barring one, none of the 17 private medical colleges controlled by the barons — mostly state politicians — has enough staff or facilities.So says a high-level probe by the Medical Education Department, made available to The Indian Express today. The only college that fulfills the norms prescribed by the Medical Council of India (MCI) is the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (Wardha), run by NCP MP Datta Meghe.‘‘I had received the report a week ago,’’ Medical Education Minister Digvijay Khanvilkar said. ‘‘It will be submitted to Governor Mohammed Fazal along with the remarks of my department.’’The 700-page report was driven by a July 2 report in The Indian Express on how private medical colleges take donations, violating a SC ban on capitation fees.Khanvilkar sent four teams to inspect all the 17 private medical colleges. The main lacunae:z Teaching staff inadequate. The MCI condones a shortage of five per cent, but only one college could meet that criterion.z Most worked part-time, earning as less as Rs 2,000 per month.z In some colleges, professors shown as full-time staffers said they were part-time employees.z Area set aside for medical education was put to other uses, including engineering, dental, catering and occupational therapy teaching.‘‘I am doubtful about their conclusions. However, I am prepared for a probe,” said D.Y. Patil Group chairman Ajinkya Patil, son of former Congress MLA D.Y. Patil.Most of the heads of the private medical colleges wanted to see the report first. ‘‘Our staff strength is per the MCI norms. Had there been lacunae, the MCI would have derecognised us,’’ a private college director said.
