RTI reveals Rs 200 crore funding to Faridabad's medical college amid infrastructure row
Doctor
Faridabad: Amid the ongoing controversy and allegations of inadequate infrastructure at Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Medical College, Faridabad, information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application has revealed that the medical college's condition remains poor despite receiving a substantial Rs 200 crore in funding.
The RTI application was filed by the Democratic Medical Association (DMA India) and it showed that since 2020, the college has received huge funding for different administrative purposes.
Referring to the RTI information, the National President of DMA, Dr. Amit Vyas, said, "In a shocking revelation through an RTI filed by the DMA, it has come to light that the institution has received funding exceeding ₹200 crore since 2020. Despite this substantial financial support, the current condition of the college remains extremely poor and deeply concerning."
Dr. Vyas pointed out that the institute lacks basic facilities that are considered essential for any healthcare and educational institution, including- reliable power backup system, separate academic and hospital buildings, adequate stock of essential medicines and equipment, adequate drinking water facilities for students, etc. Allegedly, the students also have to face frequent power cuts due to faulty wiring and completely deteriorated sanitation system.
"When such a large amount of public money has been spent without visible improvement on the ground, it not only reflects systemic failure but also raises serious concerns about possible corruption," he said.
Terming this 'a major failure of the Haryana Government,' the doctor stated that all relevant documents and evidence related to this matter will be submitted to the State Anti-Corruption Bureau. This includes- where and how the Rs 200 crore budget was utilised, and which officials or responsible individuals may be involved.
Dr. Vyas further mentioned that if strict and transparent action is not taken promptly, the organization will be compelled to escalate the issue at a larger level. "This is not just about one institution, but about the credibility of the entire healthcare system," he added.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported how the students of this institute complained of no proper access to clean drinking water and that the electricity arrangements in classrooms are inadequate. They said this has made the situation difficult, especially during the ongoing extreme heat. Due to the lack of clean water, students alleged they are forced to buy drinking water online. They stressed that they need a permanent solution rather than temporary arrangements.
Apart from this, students also raised concerns about the hospital attached to the college. They claimed that there are no patients, irregular electricity supply, and no proper clean water facility. They added that while they came to study, the institution lacks basic academic infrastructure.
Recently, extending its support to these medical students, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) wrote to the National Medical Commission (NMC) seeking urgent intervention. It stated that despite the college being approved by the NMC in 2020, with its first batch admitted in 2022, the institution has failed to meet even the most basic standards required for a functioning medical college.
Meanwhile, expressing concern over the alleged poor and unsafe living conditions of medical students at Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Medical College, the United Doctors Front (UDF) wrote to the NMC, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the National Human Rights Commission, seeking urgent intervention.
