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New Delhi: Through a recent notice, the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed the Nodal Officers in charge of District Residency Programme (DRP) to deploy PG medicos in the flood/disaster-affected areas of northern States/UTs.

The PG Board of the Apex Medical Commission clarified that the deployment of PG medical students in such areas shall be considered as part of the District Residency Programme training.

NMC took this decision, noting the urgent requirement for healthcare professionals to take part in the ongoing relief measures. “In view of the recent floods/disaster-like situations in the northern States/UTs of the country, there is an urgent requirement for healthcare professionals as part of the ongoing relief measures. This initiative will not only provide much-needed healthcare services at the field level but will also enable young medical professionals to gain meaningful experience in disaster response, public health management, and community service, thereby enhancing their overall training. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also appealed for healthcare services to be strengthened through available resources, and several post-graduate doctors have expressed their willingness to volunteer their services,” NMC PG Board mentioned in the notice dated 06.09.2025.

The Commission mentioned that DRP for post-graduate medical students provides an opportunity to understand the healthcare needs of people at the field level.

Accordingly, directing the nodal officers to deploy PG medicos in he flood-affected areas, it added in the notice, “Considering the unique opportunity for both learning and service, the National Medical Commission recognizes this as a valuable component of postgraduate training. Accordingly, the deployment of post-graduate medical students in the flood/disaster-affected areas of northern States/UTs shall be considered as part of the District Residency Programme training. The Nodal Officers of the respective States/UTs may do such postings of students undergoing DRP posting as per the requirement.”

Referring to the PG Board’s notice, NMC wrote to the Nodal officers of all States/UTs, District Residency Programme for Postgrduates, and the Directors/Principals of all medical colleges and mentioned, “It is requested to refer the circular of even no. dated 06-09-2025 from President, Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) w.r.t. cited subject and deployment of Post- Graduate Medical Students in the flood/ disaster affected areas of Northern States/ UTs. All the Nodal Officers of the District Residency Programme for Post Graduates for the respective States/ UTs may do such postings of the students undergoing DRP posting as per the requirement.”

To view the notice, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/nmc-deployment-of-post-graduate-medical-students-under-the-district-residency-programme-drp-in-recent-flood-affected-regions-300077.pdf

Also Read: PG medicos can obtain DRP certificate by serving in Char Dham Yatra, no need for separate 3 month training: Govt lauds NMC move

Cuttack: The Odisha High Court recently expressed shock upon learning that nearly 17 per cent of patients who underwent open heart surgery at the Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery (CTVS) wing of SCB Medical College & Hospital (SCBMCH), Odisha’s largest government-run healthcare facility, died following the procedure between January 2023 and August 2025.

Expressing concern over the rising mortality rate, the court directed the government to carry out an audit to ascertain the causes after taking suo motu cognisance of a report on post-open-heart surgery deaths.

According to the hospital’s data, approximately 186 patients were admitted for open-heart surgery in 2023. Out of them, 21 left against medical advice, which leaves the patient count to 165. Among the remaining patients who underwent the procedure, 15 patients died post-surgery.

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In 2024, there were 181 admissions, and 46 patients left against medical advice. Of the 135 surgeries conducted that year, 24 patients died. Between January and August 2025, 138 patients were admitted, and 53 of them left against medical advice. Out of 85 surgeries performed during this period, 26 patients died.

Over the past 30 months, 385 surgeries were conducted at the CTVS wing, of which 65 patients died post-surgery, taking the mortality rate to 16.88 per cent, reports UNI.

While hearing the matter, the Division Bench comprising Justice S.K. Sahoo and Justice V. Narasingh said, “The cause of death after open heart surgery, which is rising, needs thorough investigation. Mortality risks may be lowered by engaging patients in supervised cardiac rehabilitation programmes, ensuring adherence to medication, and imparting lifestyle guidance.”

As per The Hindu media report, the court, during the course of the hearing, was apprised by the government that the surgeon, who is conducting the open heart surgery, is scheduled to retire next year.

In response, the Court directed the Medical Superintendent of SCBMCH to furnish complete data on the current status of surviving open heart surgery patients. It also asked the State Government to constitute another team of competent CTVS specialists to meet growing demand and reduce the financial burden on patients who are otherwise forced to opt for treatment in private hospitals.

“The Medical Superintendent, SCBMCH, Cuttack shall furnish the full data of the present status of survived open heart surgery patients. Every endeavor shall be made by the government to form another team of competent doctors in Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery (CTVS) to conduct open heart surgery taking into account its demand and costs likely to be incurred by the patients if it is conducted in any private hospital, Efforts shall also be made to counsel the patients who are taking admission for open heart surgery so that there would be reduction of LAMA (Left Against Medical Advice) cases,” said the court.

The Health and Family Welfare Department Secretary assured the Court that an audit of mortality causes would be carried out if not already undertaken. “Steps would be taken to ensure that there would be no dislocation and let up in the patient care so far as open heart surgery is concerned,” she assured the court. 

The Court has directed the Superintendent of SCBMCH to place on record the minutes of such a Death Review Board or equivalent body by September 26, the date fixed for the next hearing.

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