The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced a freeze on all approvals for new medical colleges, seat increases, and renewals for the 2025-26 academic year. The decision follows the exposure of a massive ₹1,300 crore bribery scandal, in which several institutions allegedly obtained approvals despite lacking basic infrastructure, qualified faculty, and adequate patient care facilities.
The crackdown comes after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided 40 medical colleges across several states, including Gujarat. Among those searched was Swaminarayan Medical College in Kalol, near Ahmedabad.
According to a media report, numerous colleges bypassed regulatory norms by bribing NMC officials. So far, 36 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, including 11 from central and state health departments. The arrested also include three doctors associated with private medical colleges.
One of the key figures implicated is Dr. J.L. Meena, Joint Director at the NMC, who is accused of accepting bribes to grant illegal approvals.
In response, the NMC plans to deploy senior professors to inspect existing institutions to ensure they comply with regulatory standards. All colleges have been warned to strictly follow NMC norms going forward.
The move is seen as an unprecedented halt in the expansion of India’s medical education infrastructure. Industry experts say it will disrupt the plans of private entities seeking to open new colleges or expand existing ones. However, many view the freeze as a much-needed step toward cleaning up the sector.
In Gujarat, Swami Bhagat Vatsalyadasji of Swaminarayan Medical College is accused of offering bribes for institutional recognition. Similarly, in Chhattisgarh, religious figure Guru Ravishankarji is also under investigation for allegedly paying off officials.