The survey found significant inadequacies in newly established colleges, with high percentages of respondents reporting issues such as poor infrastructure (89.4%), insufficient patient exposure (28.5%), and a lack of functional skills labs (55.9%). Urgent reforms are needed to address these problems and ensure the quality of medical professionals being trained in India.
Key findings from the FAIMA-RMS Survey 2025:
- Infrastructure: A large majority (89.4%) of colleges surveyed reported poor infrastructure, including inadequate facilities for clean water, hostels, and libraries.
- Faculty and staff: There are significant faculty shortages, with only 68.8% of respondents reporting adequate faculty numbers. Additionally, 55.2% of medical staff felt there were manpower shortages, which directly affects training quality.
- Teaching and patient exposure: Only 71.5% of respondents reported adequate patient exposure, and 54.3% confirmed regular teaching sessions.
- Workload and environment:
- 73.9% of residents reported excessive clerical and administrative duties, not related to patient care.
- Over 40% of medical students and professionals described their work environment as toxic.
- A large percentage of postgraduate residents reported a lack of fixed duty hours, contributing to burnout and mental stress.
- Mental health: The poor conditions are linked to significant mental health concerns among medical students and residents. The survey recommends specific measures like mandatory mental health committees, 24/7 helplines, and counsellors in every college.
Recommendations and next steps:
- FAIMA is submitting its detailed findings and recommendations to authorities like the National Medical Commission (NMC) and Niti Ayog.
- The association is advocating for urgent reforms, including improving infrastructure, increasing faculty strength, reducing clerical burdens, and ensuring timely stipends.
- FAIMA also stressed the importance of mandatory mental health support programs, which should include a Mental Health Committee in every college and regular mental health counseling.