RTI data misrepresented- JIPMER clarifies on PG resident doctors' resignations, mental health counselling

Puducherry: The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) has issued a clarification rejecting recent media reports on postgraduate resident resignations and mental health counselling, alleging that data obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has been misrepresented to create a "defamatory" narrative against the institute.

Responding to reports that 332 postgraduate residents discontinued their courses between 2020 and 2025 and that 230 individuals sought mental health counselling during the same period, JIPMER said the figures have been presented without the necessary academic context. The institute maintained that most resignations are linked to the routine national counselling process, including speciality or institute upgradation, while counselling services are accessed for a wide range of personal and adjustment-related concerns, not workplace stress alone.

In its press statement, the institute mentioned that JIPMER has taken note of recent media reports concerning postgraduate resident resignations and mental health counselling among postgraduate trainees. "While these reports are based on information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the data has been misrepresented to push a narrative defamatory to the institute," it said.

"Academic Junior Resident (MD/MS/MDS) and Senior Resident (DM/MCh) positions are structured training appointments with a fixed tenure of three years. Admissions are made through highly competitive national entrance examinations, and on successful completion of their prescribed training, resident doctors graduate and leave the Institute in accordance with the normal academic cycle. Regarding the report that 332 postgraduate medical resident doctors discontinued their courses between 2020 and 2025, JIPMER clarifies that this cumulative figure must be interpreted in light of the unique residency program structure," it further stated.

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"JIPMER admits around 250 postgraduate resident doctors annually through the INI-CET, which features multiple rounds of centralized counselling. On average, around 20% of postgraduate resident doctors resign from their allotted seats each year due to a change in specialty or institution following upgradation during the national counselling process. Some also clear NEET-PG exams subsequently and voluntarily discontinue to pursue their desired academic pathway. Such movement cannot be interpreted as dissatisfaction or institutional attrition. Furthermore, reports state that 230 individuals received mental health counselling during 2020-2025. Healthcare professionals worldwide work in demanding environments and seek support for varied reasons. JIPMER students, staff, and residents seek counselling for a range of concerns, including interpersonal issues, family matters, and environmental adjustment, rather than workplace stress alone. Some attend follow-up sessions, representing continuity of care; thus, the cumulative number of encounters does not equal new individuals seeking care. JIPMER has proactively established accessible systems like the J-CARES program to reduce stigma and support mental well-being," the institute mentioned.

"JIPMER remains deeply committed to student welfare, implementing a 48-hour weekly work schedule for resident doctors alongside structured orientation programs, faculty mentorship, and grievance redressal mechanisms. As a highly ranked institute of national importance and a boon to the healthcare needs of South India, JIPMER feels disheartened by such misleading reporting. The institute urges the media to practice responsible journalism and desist from publishing unsubstantiated defamatory reports without official confirmation of facts," it added.

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