NMC issues guidelines for identifying “fake patients” in medical colleges

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued guidelines for identifying “fake patients” in medical colleges and facilities seeking approval for setting up new institutes or for increasing the number of UG and PG seats. This is the first time that the Commission has come up with such guidelines.     

The guidelines come after instances of some medical institutions or colleges admitting fake patients (person who does not require any treatment or in-patient treatment) to fulfil the requirement of bed occupancy and investigation. The Commission said “fake patient practice” will be considered as a serious violation and will invite punishment as per the regulations.

As per the guidelines, admission of large numbers of patients on the day of inspection or the previous day, admission of multiple patients from the same family or the admitted patients having no or minor problems which can be treated on OPD basis with oral medications, could be a parameter for identifying “fake patients”.

Patients, who are admitted without any evidence of investigations like X-ray, blood tests etc. (before or after admission) or treatment which is generally done for admitted patients like intravenous (IV) fluid, injections, catheterization, giving medicines etc can also be an indication.

Another parameter assessors should keep in mind is if most of the admitted children are found to be playful and joyous without any significant problem in the paediatric ward or if they observe that patients were admitted in large numbers through preventive health checkups or camps. The NMC has laid down the guidelines while inviting applications for establishment of new medical college/institution intending to offer undergraduate course and increase in the number of UG seats in an established medical/institutions for the Academic year (AY)2025-2026.