Tamil Nadu Warns Medical Colleges Of Strict Action Over Excess MBBS Fees; 11 Complaints Under Probe

Chennai, September 1: Tamil Nadu's Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Minister, K G Arunraj, has cautioned medical colleges about potential stringent measures against those charging fees beyond the prescribed limits, delivering a statement in the state assembly on Tuesday. During the Assembly session, AIADMK representative Agri S S Krishnamoorthy brought up the issue, noting that the National Medical Commission (NMC) had sent out a public notice requiring all medical institutes, including private colleges and self-financing universities, to charge tuition fees solely for a 4.5-year MBBS course duration.

However, he contended that certain private educational institutions in Tamil Nadu were charging fees for 5.5 years, causing immense financial burden on medical students and their families. The minister appealed for immediate government intervention to tackle the matter. Regarding the complaints, the minister mentioned that they have been recurring each year, with grievances being lodged both by parents and students.

A total of 11 formal complaints have been filed till date. Several committees have been formed to probe these allegations, and an investigation is currently in progress. According to the minister, severe legal action will be taken against any private colleges found to be charging excess fees in defiance of the regulations.