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THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA : CUTTACK
W.P.(C). No.15685 of 2015 _______________________________________________
In the matter of an application under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India.
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Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) under KIIT University & another …… Petitioners
-Versus-
Union of India & another …… Opp. Parties
For Petitioners : M/s. A.K.Parija (Sr. Advocate) Sarada P.Sarangi, P.P.Mohanty, D.K.Das, B.P.Das, P.K.Dash, D.Mohapatra, V.Mahapatra, & J.S.Mishra.
For Opp. Party No.1: Mr.Anup Kumar Bose (Asst. Solicitor General of India) For Opp. Party No.2: M/s. Rajani Chandra Mohanty, K.C.Swain, R.Das Pattanayak & Ms.S.Pattanaik
P R E S E N T :
THE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE INDRAJIT MAHANTY &
THE HON’BLE DR. JUSTICE D.P.CHOUDHURY
Date of hearing: 17.02.2016 Date of Judgment: 04.03.2016
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I. Mahanty, J. The present writ application has come to be filed by the
petitioner-Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) under KIIT
University seeking to challenge the alleged arbitrary action of the
Medical Council of India (MCI) for not recommending renewal of
permission for admission of 2nd batch of MBBS students against
the increased intake from 100 to 150 for the academic year 2015-
2016.
1.1. Further the writ application has also sought to challenge
the letter dated 1.4.2015 issued by the MCI refusing permission
for admission of 2nd batch of MBBS students against the
increased intake of 100 to 150 for the academic year 2015-16 as
well as a challenge to the letter dated 15.06.2015 issued by the
Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
refusing permission for admission of 2nd batch of MBBS students
against the increased intake i.e. from 100 to 150 for the academic
year 2015-16.
2. In course of hearing the present writ application, this
Court has passed certain interim directions from time to time
amongst which, Order No.5 dated 25.09.2015 passed in Misc.
Case No.15069 of 2015 and in particular Para-9 thereof is quoted
hereinbelow:
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“9. After hearing learned counsel for the respective parties and in the light of the judgment referred hereinabove, we are of the considered view that the Union of India at the time of affording opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, ought not to have remanded the matter back to the M.C.I. for further inspection and such inspection/verification if at all required, could have carried out by it through any agency and/or any committee. We further take note of the fact that admissions to the M.B.B.S. course are to be completed by 30th September 2015 and there exists very limited time between now and the last date of admission. Keeping the interest of the students, interest of the State as well as the interest of the institution involved, we direct as follows:
i) That the Central Government shall grant provisional permission to the petitioner to conduct the course for the academic year 2015-16 which will be subject to further orders to be passed by us.
ii) That the State Government/ Institution shall start the process of allotment and the admission shall be made by the respective colleges subject to the result of the writ petition.
iii) The allotment and admission shall be made after giving information to the students regarding the pendency of the writ petition and that the admission will be subject to the result of the writ petition.
iv. Neither the petitioner-institution nor any students, who are admitted by it shall claim any equity on the basis of approval/permission for admission granted by virtue of this interim direction.”
3. Challenging the aforesaid order dated 25.09.2015 the
MCI challenged the same before the Hon’ble Supreme Court in
Special Leave to Appeal (C)No.28312 of 2015 and by Order dated
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13.10.2015, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India was pleased to
direct that the implementation of the impugned judgment shall
remain stayed and status quo, as on date, shall be maintained.
Subsequently, by Order dated 04.11.2015, the said Civil Appeal
came to be disposed of with the following Order:
“I.A. Nos.2-5 are rejected. Learned senior counsel appearing for the
respondent-Hospital/applicants submits that a request shall be made before the High Court for finally deciding the matter on the next date of hearing.
Mr.Vikas Singh, learned Senior counsel appearing on behalf of appellant-MCI submits that the appellant would not object if such a prayer is made before the High Court. We are sure that the writ petition shall be decided by the High Court as soon as possible and if possible, on the next date of hearing.
In view of the above, nothing remains to be decided in the civil appeal. It is disposed of accordingly.
Be it noted that we have not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case.
Interim order passed by this Court shall continue till the High Court finally decides the writ petition.”
4. After disposal of the aforesaid matter by the Hon’ble
Supreme Court, the petitioner-institution filed an application for
amendment before this Court and the same came to be allowed
vide Order dated 13.11.2015. Thereafter, upon hearing the
learned counsel for the respective parties, a further interim Order
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No.9 dated 03.12.2015 was passed, inter alia, with the following
directions:
“Heard Mr.Parija learned Senior Advocate appearing for the petitioner-institution Mr.Bose learned Asst. Solicitor General for the Union of India and Mr.R.C.Mohanty learned counsel for the Medical Council of India (MCI).
By order No.5 dated 25.09.2015 Misc. Case No.15069 of 2015 has come to be disposed of by this Court with various directions indicated therein. Relevant portion of which is quoted hereunder:
“9. After hearing learned counsel for the
respective parties and in the light of the judgment referred hereinabove we are of the considered view that the Union of India at the time of affording opportunity of hearing to the petitioner ought not to have remanded the matter back to the M.C.I. for further inspection and such inspection/verification if at all required could have carried out by it through any agency and or any committee. We further take note of the fact that admissions to the M.B.B.S. course are to be completed by 30th September 2015 and there exists very limited time between now and the last date of admission. Keeping the interest of the students interest of the State as well as the interest of the institution involved we direct as follows:
i) That the Central Government shall grant provisional permission to the petitioner to conduct the course for the academic year 2015-16 which will be subject to further orders to be passed by us.
ii) That the State Government Institution shall start the process of allotment and the admission shall be made by the respective colleges subject to the result of the writ petition.
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iii) The allotment and admission shall be made after giving information to the students regarding the pendency of the writ petition and that the admission will be subject to the result of the writ petition.
iv. Neither the petitioner-institution nor any students who are admitted by it shall claim any equity on the basis of approval/permission for admission granted by virtue of this interim direction.
10. We further direct that the direction given herein above be complied with forthwith by the Union of India by issuing necessary L.O.P on the terms and conditions as noted hereinabove on or before 28th September 2015.
11. It is further directed that the petitioner-institution may be added to the list of counseling and students may be immediately informed. The institution and the JEE are at liberty to take such steps in accordance with law to comply with this direction and complete the admission process by 30th September 2015. However the petitioner-institution shall make it clear to all students who seek admission that their admission are subject to the result of the writ application.
12. Dr. Nilam Somalkar the Regional Director of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Department is present before this Court in person. A copy of this order be handed over to him for necessary communication and compliance.
The Misc. Case is disposed of.”
In compliance of the directions as noted hereinabove the Government of India vide order dated 28.09.2015 passed an order granting provisional permission to the institution to conduct MBBS course for the 2nd Batch against increased intake from 100 to 150 MBBS seats for the academic year 2015-16 subject to the conditions indicated therein.
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The Medical Council of India has approached the Hon’ble Supreme Court in SLP(Civil) No.28312 of 2015 against the order dated 25.09.2015 passed in Misc. Case No.15069 of 2015.
It is asserted that the petitioner-institution admitted 50 students from the merit list prepared by the petitioner-institution from out of 84000 students who are applied and appeared at the All India Entrance Test (KIITEE 2015) into MBBS course for the year 2015-16.
By an interim order dated 13.10.2015 in the aforesaid SLP at the behest of the MCI the following directions have been passed:
“Leave granted. The implementation of the impugned
judgment shall remain stayed and status quo as on the date on which the impugned judgment was passed shall be maintained.”
The said SLP has converted to Civil Appeal No.8739 of 2015 and came to be disposed of by order dated 04.11.2015 by the Hon’ble Supreme Court to the following effect:
“I.A. Nos.2-5 are rejected. Learned senior counsel appearing
for the respondent-Hospital/applicants submits that a request shall be made before the High Court for finally deciding the matter on the next date of hearing.
Mr. Vikas Singh learned senior counsel appearing on behalf of appellant-MCI submits that the appellant would not object if such a prayer is made before the High Court. We are sure that the writ petition shall be decided by the High Court as soon as possible and if possible on the next date of hearing.
In view of the above nothing remains to be decided in the civil appeal. It is disposed of accordingly.
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Be it noted that we have not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case.
Interim order passed by this Court shall continue till the High Court finally decides the writ petition.”
After the aforesaid directions were issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court the petitioner filed an amendment application and the same came to be allowed and copies of the consolidated writ petition was served on Mr. R.C. Mohanty learned counsel for the MCI. MCI are still in the process of going through the documents appended by the petitioner in the consolidated writ petition.
Mr. R.C. Mohanty learned counsel for the MCI submits that in the fact situation of the present case it would appear that 50 students have already been admitted by the petitioner-institution pursuant to the direction issued by this Court dated 25.09.2015 and their admissions has also been duly approved by the Union of India vide its letter dated 28.09.2015 (Annexure-22) of course subject to the outcome of the writ application. He therefore prays for some further time to file the counter affidavit in response to the consolidated writ petition and states that the interest of the students are not in any manner being jeopardized if adjournment is given since they are already continuing with their educations.
The essence of the directions of this Court was that insofar as the deficiencies pointed out by the MCI in its inspection are concerned it is submitted that the petitioner-institution claims to have satisfied all such deficiencies before its hearing before the Government of India. The Union of India remitted the matter back to the MCI for re-verification. Admittedly no re-verification of such purported compliance were made due to paucity of time. It is in the circumstance that the earlier order of this Court was passed on 25.09.2015 keeping in view the fact that admissions had to be concluded on or before 30th September 2015.
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In the light of the circumstances as noted hereinabove and in view of the prayer of Mr. R.C. Mohanty learned counsel for the MCI seeking further time we are of the considered view that while granting time as sought for by the MCI we direct that the MCI may constitute a fresh inspecting team to come and inspect the petitioner-institution and check up the purported compliances claimed by the petitioner on or before 17th December 2015 and counter affidavit may be filed on or before 22nd December 2015. We are further of the considered view that along with the inspection team the DMET may also participate in such inspection and submit his report on or before 23rd December 2015.
List this matter on 23.12.2015. Free copy of this order be handed over to Mr.
A.K. Bose learned Assistant Solicitor General for the Union of India and Mr. R.C. Mohanty learned counsel for the MCI for necessary communication and compliance.
Urgent certified copy of this order be granted on proper application.”
5. The aforesaid direction dated 3.12.2015 was once again
challenged by the MCI before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India
in Civil Appeal No.14686 of 2015 and the same came to be
disposed of by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India by its Order
dated 16.12.2015 to the following effect:
“1. The respondents have instructions to appear on caveat.
2. Heard the learned counsel for the parties. 3. Leave granted. 4. At the time of hearing of this appeal, it has
been submitted by Shri Kapil Sibbal, learned senior counsel, that a batch of additional 50 students is not undergoing studies.
5. It is directed that there shall not be any participation of Directorate of Medical Education and
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Training (DMET), Odisha, in the process of inspection. Time for carrying out inspection is extended by four weeks from today.
6. The learned senior counsel appearing for the appellant has submitted that according to him, the inspection, which is to be carried out, shall be for the academic year 2016-2017.
7. The learned senior counsel appearing for the respondents opposes the recording of any such statement.
8. In view of the above, the appeal is disposed of as partly allowed with no order as to costs and the impugned order is modified to the above extent.”
6. The purported compliance affidavit on behalf of the MCI
to the directions of this Court dated 03.12.2015 came to be filed
on 15th February, 2016 and the relevant portion of which is
extracted hereinbelow:
“7. It is submitted that in pursuance of the order dated 03.12.2015 passed in present petition by this Hon’ble Court and order dated 16.12.2015 passed in SLP (C) No.34856/2015 by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the MCI carried out physical assessment of the petitioner medical college on 7th and 8th January, 2016.
8. It is submitted that the assessment report dated 7th and 8th January, 2016 was placed before the Executive Committee of the MCI in meeting held on 30.01.2016, wherein, the Executive Committee observed various gross deficiencies pertaining to infrastructure, clinical material and other physical facilities, persisting in the petitioner medical college.
9. It is submitted that the deficiencies pointed out in the assessment report dated 7th and 8th January, 2016, are fundamental in nature, hence, could not be brushed aside in the larger public interest and also in the interest of the student community. It is submitted that in view of such gross and serious deficiencies in the petitioner medical
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college the Executive Committee of the answering respondent, after due deliberations and discussions decided to recommend to the Central Govt., not to grant renewal of permission to the petitioner medical college for admitting 3rd batch of students against the increased intake i.e. from 100 to 150 for academic year 2016-17.
10. Accordingly, the above-mentioned decision/recommendation of the Executive Committee has been communicated to the Govt. of India vide letter dated 30.01.2016. Copy of MCI letter dated 31.01.2016 is annexed herewith and marked as ANNEXURE-B/2.
11. It is submitted that by the letter dated 31.01.2016 the petitioner medical college in view of the serious deficiencies found during the assessment has been directed to submit a compliance report after the rectification of the deficiencies within a period of 1 month.”
7. Mr.R.C.Mohanty, learned counsel for the MCI apart from
placing reliance on the compliance affidavit as noted hereinabove,
in order to meet the query raised by this Court in its order dated
3.12.2015 (supra) placed reliance on Annexure-R-2/1 to its reply
affidavit to the consolidated writ petition which is quoted
hereinbelow:
“Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar-Renewal of permission for 3rd batch (2nd renewal) for 100 to 150 MBBS seats.
No. Subject Requirements of beds for 100 recognition
Requirements of beds for 150 recognition
Requirement of beds for 100 to 150 seats for 2nd renewal/3rd Batch
1. General Medicine
120 150 138
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2. Paediatrics 60 90 78 3. Tuberculosis
& Chest 10 20 16
4. Skin & VD 10 15 13 5. Psychiatry 10 15 *30 6. General
Surgery 120 150 138
7. Orthopaedics 60 90 78 8. Opthalmology 10 15 13 9. ENT 10 15 13 10. OBG 60 90 78 Total 470 650 595
As per practice of the Council, the requirement of beds for increased intake is calculated by adding the difference of beds between the requirements for 100 recognition and the requirement for 150 recognition on yearly basis from LOP level to the last renewal {eg. In General Medicine 150-120=30/5=6 for each year. At 2nd renewal (3rd batch) 120+6+6+6=138} and also the beds are calculated as per PG requirements, i.e. 1 Unit consists of 30 beds in those courses, where PG courses are already running in the college (*Like in Kalinga where PG course in Psychiatry is running).”
8. At this juncture, Mr.Parija, learned Senior Advocate
appearing for the petitioner-institution (KIMS) submitted that the
KIMS institute has been inspected on three separate occasions
for assessing the increased intake from 100 to 150 seats (2nd
renewal) for the year 2015-16 on 28.1.2015, 20.5.2015 and
8.1.2016.
8.1. He advanced his argument in three folds. The first being
that the inspection report dated 7/8.01.2016 and letter of
Executive Committee dated 31.01.2016 indicating the alleged
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deficiencies in the petitioner-institute are either factually
incorrect or not in accordance with the regulations framed by the
MCI and/or based on “certain practices” which have no backing/
foundation in law.
9. In the light of the aforesaid submissions, various alleged
deficiencies as pointed out in the inspection report dated
7/8.01.2016 and the contentions raised by the petitioner-KIMS is
noted hereunder in a tabular form:
Sl. No.
Alleged Deficiency as per Inspection Report dated 07/08.01.2016 and letter of Executive Committee dated 31.01.2016
KIMS’ Contentions
1.
Teaching beds are inadequate as under: Department Beds Required Available Shortage 1 General
Medicine 138 120 18
2 Pediatrics 78 65 13 3 Tb & Chest 16 10 06 4 General
Surgery 138 120 18
5 Orthopedics 78 65 13 6 O.G. 78 60 13 TOTAL 81
(i) As per the inspection report dated 07/08.01.2016, the total number of beds required is 595.
(ii) As per the inspection report dated 07/08.01.2016 the total number of beds available is 500.
(iii) As per applicable MCI Regulations for institutions which have been granted recognition for 100 students, the
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total number of beds required is 470.
(iv) As per applicable MCI Regulations for institutions which are seeking first renewal for admission of 150 students, the total number of beds required is 300.
(v) Therefore the requirement of 595 beds is not as per the regulations but based on “practice” with no sanction of law.
2. OPD: Injection room is common for
male/female. ECG room is not available. Room shown as ECG room is an examination room. Plaster room & Plaster cutting room are common. In Ophthalmology OPD, Dark Room & Dressing room are not available. Child welfare clinic room in Pediatrics OPD was locked. Child Rehabilitation clinic is not available.
In the inspection report date 27/28.01.2015 it is admitted all the facilities are available.
3. Number of Units available are less in subjects of General Medicine, Paediatrics, General Surgery, Orthopaedics, O.G.
(i) Number of units are dependent upon the bed strength. If 595 is taken as the required bed strength, the total number of units required becomes 24. (ii) If 470/490 is taken as the bed strength, the number of units required is
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19 as per the applicable MCI Regulations. (iii) Admittedly, the petitioner-institution has 19 units.
4. Bed occupancy was 66.70% on actual physical verification (i.e.397 out of 595 beds required)
(i) Since the requirement of beds as per MCI regulations explained herein above is 470/490, then the bed occupancy will be 397/490 x 100 which is equal to 81.02%. (ii) In its inspection report dt.8.1.2016, it is stated that the bed occupancy was 82% and not 66.70% as alleged.
5. While there were 5 Caesarean Sections, there was NIL Normal Delivery; this is an abnormally high ratio.
Reliance was placed on the judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 24th September, 2015 in Civil Appeal No.7953 of 2015 and in particular, Paragraphs-17 and 18 thereof.
6.
There is discrepancy in data of Major & Minor operations as under: Parameter Number Reported
by College As per O.T. Lists
1 General Medicine
24 22
2 Paediatrics
40 13
(i) Row 1 should be read as “major surgery” and Row 2 as minor surgery. (ii) The reported figures by the petitioner-institution are as per the
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procedure undertaken throughout the day. (iii) It appears that the figures as per O.T. Lists were taken sometime during the day. (iv) Some minor surgeries have been carried out in minor O.T. and OPD which do not require anesthesia and hence are not reported in the O.T. list.
7. Workload of special investigations like Ba, IVP is NIL on day of assessment.
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8. MRD: It is partly computerized In the inspection report dated 27/28.01.2015 submitted by assessors of Medical Council of India, the Medical Record Department (MRD) of the petitioner-institution was assessed and found to be fully computerized and currently is also fully computerized.
9. ICUs: There was NIL patient in SICU on day of assessment.
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10. Only 4 static X-ray machines are available against requirement of 5.
(i) As per the inspection report dated 20.05.2015
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submitted by assessors of Medical Council of India, the petitioner-institution was assessed and found to have 5 nos. of Static X-ray machines and currently also has 5 nos. of them. (ii) One machine of 300 mA was defective on the date of inspection. The same is being replaced shortly.
11. Examination Halls: Against requirement of 2 Examination Halls of 250 capacity, only 1 of 250 capacity is available. Another hall of 144 capacity is available; the capacity is less and also it is of gallery type and cannot be considered as Examination Hall.
(i) As per applicable MCI Regulations for Colleges which have been granted recognition for 100 students, the required number of examination hall is one with capacity of 250. (ii) As per applicable MCI Regulations for institutions which are seeking first renewal for 150 students, the required number of examination hall is also one with capacity of 250. (iii) As per MCI Regulations, two examination halls with capacity of 250 are required for 150 students at the time of second renewal
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thereof. (iv) Petitioner-institution will require two examination halls of 250 capacity for the academic year 2016-17 and not for the present year i.e. 2015-16.
12. Lecture Theaters: Capacity of 4 Lecture Theaters available is only 140 each against requirement of 180 each. College authorities insisted that 180 students can be accommodated in the theater but on verification it did not appear as if it can accommodate more than 140. It was verified during a lecture when 115 students were present there. Available vacant space was not enough to accommodate more than 25 students. Even these 115 students were sitting quite close to one another as it is.
(i) As per applicable MCI Regulations for Colleges which have been granted recognition for 100 students, the required number of lecture theaters is four with capacity of 120 each. (ii) As per applicable MCI regulations for institutions which are seeking first renewal for 150 students, the required number of lecture theatres is two with capacity of 180. (iii) In the inspection report dated 27/28.01.2015 submitted by assessors of Medical Council of India, the petitioner-institution was assessed and found to have two lecture halls with capacity of 180 and two lecture halls with capacity of 120 and
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also currently has so.
13. Central Library: Available area is 1,700 sq.m. against requirement of 1800 sq.m.
(i) As per applicable MCI Regulations for institutions which have been granted recognition for 100 students, the central library should be 1600 sq.m. (ii) As per applicable MCI Regulations for institutions which are seeking first renewal for 150 students, the central library should be 1200 sq.m. (iii) As per MCI Regulations, central library should be 1800 sq.m. at the time of second renewal for 150 students. (iv) Petitioner-institution will require central library of 1800 sq.m for the academic year 2016-17 and not for the present year i.e. 2015-16.
14. Students’ Hostels: Entrance lobby is the Visitors’ room which is not as per norms. Study room has no computer. Recreation room has no facility for any music or indoor games.
In the inspection report dated 27/28.01.2015 submitted by assessors of Medical Council of India, the petitioner-institution
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was assessed and found to have the requisite facilities of visitor room, recreation room with TV, music, indoor games, study room with computer in its students’ hostels and indeed currently has the said facilities.
15. Interns’ Hostel: Available accommodation is 82 against requirement of 100. Entrance lobby is the Visitors’ room which is not as per norms. Study room has no computer. Recreation room has no facility for any music or indoor games.
In the inspection report dated 27/28.01.2015 submitted by assessors of Medical Council of India, the petitioner-institution was assessed and found to have the requisite facilities of visitor room, recreation room with TV, music, indoor games, study room with computer in its interns’ hostels and indeed currently has the said facilities. Further, the available accommodation was found to be 120 against the requirement of 100.
16. Residents’ Hostel: Entrance lobby is the Visitors’ room which is not as per norms. Study room has no computer. Recreation room has no facility for any music or indoor games.
In the inspection report dated 27/28.01.2015 submitted by assessors of Medical Council of India, the Petitioner College was assessed and
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found to have the requisite facilities of visitor room, recreation room with TV, music, indoor games, study room with computer in its residents’ hostels and indeed currently has the said facilities.
17. Playground shown is used as construction area
In the inspection report dated 27/28.01.2015 submitted by assessors of Medical Council of India, the petitioner-institution was assessed and found to have playgrounds including facilities for outdoor games such as cricket, and football and indeed currently has so.
18. Anatomy department: CT & MRI films are not available.
In the inspection report dated 27/28.01.2015 submitted by assessors of Medical Council of India, the petitioner-institution was assessed and found to have 31 units of MRI CT films and also currently possesses them.
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10. The first most important aspect that needs to be noted
at the outset is that the petitioner-institution (KIMS) had made
an application for increasing of MBBS seats from 100-150 and
was seeking its first renewal for the 2nd batch for the year 2015-
16.
10.1. By virtue of the direction issued by this Court vide order
dated 14.9.2015, the petitioner-institution had completed its
admissions into the MBBS course (2nd batch) on or before 30th
September, 2015. In view of the fact that the learned counsel
appearing on behalf of the MCI-O.P.2 (appellant before the
Hon’ble Supreme Court) submits that the O.P.2-appellant would
not object if the prayer is made before the High Court for finally
deciding the matter on the next date of hearing, the Hon’ble
Supreme Court in Civil Appeal No.8739 of 2015 vide Order dated
4th November, 2015 noted that the High Court should decide the
matter as soon as possible and if possible, on the next date itself
and while disposing of the Civil Appeal, categorically directed as
follows:
“Be it noted that we have not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case.”
10.2. Insofar as Civil Appeal No.14686 of 2015 is concerned,
as noted above, the Hon’ble Supreme Court set aside the
direction of this Court to the extent of appointing the Director of
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Medical Education and Training as a member of the Inspection
Team and extended the period for inspection by period of four
weeks from 16.12.2015 (the date of the final order).
10.3. In the light of the aforesaid directions and observations
of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, we now proceed to note our views
in relation to the issues raised in the present writ application.
11. The main issue relates to the alleged deficiency of
teaching beds at the hospital. In this respect, it is important to
take note herein that the latest inspection that was carried out by
the MCI of the petitioner-institution was on 7/8.1.2016 and the
Executive Committee of the MCI affirmed the inspection report
and directed to recommend to the Central Govt. not to renew the
permission for admission of 3rd batch of MBBS students against
increased intake from 100-150 seats under Section 10-A of the
Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 in respect of the petitioner-
institution (KIMS, Bhubaneswar under KIIT University) for the
academic year 2016-17.
11.1. On perusal of the Inspection report as well as the
communication dated 31.01.2016 made to the petitioner-
institution by the MCI, it is clear therefrom that there appears to
be a complete misunderstanding on the part of the inspecting
team as well as the MCI regarding the direction issued by this
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Court with regards to inspection. This Court by its order dated
03.12.2015 had categorically directed the MCI to carry out
inspection for the purpose of students who have already been
admitted during the year 2015-16 itself, for which the petitioner-
institution had made an application before the MCI and had also
represented before the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In
other words, it is reiterated herein that there was never any
application by the petitioner-institution for consideration for the
academic year 2016-17 nor for the 3rd batch of MBBS students. It
is also reiterated that whereas the petitioner-institution had
applied for the 2nd batch of MBBS students for the increased
intake of seats during 2016-17, the entire assessment by the
assessors in their inspection carried out on 7/8.1.2016 as well as
the report of the executive committee communicated to the Govt.
of India on 31.03.2015, proceeds on the basis, as if they were
inspecting the institution for its 3rd batch for admission during
the academic year 2016-17. This, itself is a factual error which
has resulted in total miscalculation of the requirement of the
petitioner-institution.
11.2. We had by our Order dated 05.02.2016 noted the
contentions raised by the petitioner-institution and called upon
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the MCI to file a compliance affidavit on the issues raised which
has been quoted hereinabove.
12. The purported compliance affidavit filed by the MCI
dated 15.02.2016, provides no response/answer to the issues
raised in the said order as quoted hereinabove. On the other
hand, learned counsel for the MCI placed reliance on Page-91 of
its reply affidavit to the consolidated writ petition which is quoted
hereinabove (Para-7) and the note below therein is reiterated in
the following effect:
“As per practice of the Council, the requirement of beds for increased intake is calculated by adding the difference of beds between the requirements for 100 recognition and the requirement for 150 recognition on yearly basis from LOP level to the last renewal {eg. In General Medicine 150-120=30/5=6 for each year. At 2nd renewal (3rd batch) 120+6+6+6=138} and also the beds are calculated as per PG requirements, i.e. 1 Unit consists of 30 beds in those courses, where PG courses are already running in the college (*Like in Kalinga where PG course in Psychiatry is running).”
12.1. In this respect, learned counsel for the MCI was called
upon to explain such “practice” and the source/authority of such
practice and we regretfully record that no response whatsoever
justifying such practice as noted hereinabove was forthcoming
from the MCI.
13. At this juncture, it would be relevant for us to take note
of the contention advanced by Mr.Parija, learned Senior Advocate
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for the petitioner-institution to the effect that no such “practice”
as alleged ever existed with the MCI and as evidence to the
contrary, a memo was filed on 17th February, 2016 annexing
thereto extracts of the assessment made on 20/21.01.2016 of the
School of Medical Sciences and Research, Sharda University as
well as the extract of assessment report dated 04/05.01.2016 of
Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences. Whereas, Sharda
University was an applicant for first renewal for increase of
admission capacity from 100-150 seats, Pondicherry Institute of
Medical Sciences was assessed for its second renewal of
increased intake capacity from 100-150 seats. On perusal of the
assessment reports of the aforesaid two Universities, it would be
important to extract as follows:
Department Ward Nos.
Beds Required
Total Beds available
Total Admitted Patients on 20.01.2016
Facilities Available in Each Ward
Remarks
Nursing Station Y/N
Exam/Treat Room Y/N
Pantry Y/N
Store Room Y/N
Duty Room Y/N
Demo Room (25 Capacity) Y/N
Psychiatry 1 10 15 9 Y Y Y Y Y Y Dermatology 1 10 15 10 Y Y Y Y Y Y Gen. Surgery
4 120 120 83 Y Y Y Y Y Y
Orthopedics 2 60 60 33 Y Y Y Y Y Y Ophthalmology
1 10 15 10 Y Y Y Y Y Y
ENT 1 10 15 10 Y Y Y Y Y Y OB & GYN 2 60 60 43 Y Y Y Y Y Y Total 470 500 337 Y Y Y Y Y Y
27
13.1. It is submitted on behalf of the petitioner-institute that
the assessment reports of the aforesaid two institutions would
clearly indicate that the MCI inspectors have themselves recorded
the fact that the required number of beds for first renewal as well
as 2nd renewal for the increased admission capacity from 100-150
was 470 beds and not 595 beds as claimed by the MCI in the
present case.
13.2. Learned Senior Counsel for the petitioner-institute
asserts that the petitioner-institution has been found to possess
500 beds and in Column-2.6 of the latest Inspection Report dated
7/8.1.2016 clearly recorded the bed occupancy percentage at
10.00 A.M. on the first day as 82% and the same obviously has
been arrived at by treating the requirement of beds for the
purpose of approving the increased intake at 470.
14. In view of the above, we are of the clear considered view
that fixing a requirement at 595 beds in the present case, is not
in accordance with the MCI Regulations and appears to be clearly
discriminately applied to the petitioner-institution. If it is verified
from the medical college established by Sharda University and
the Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, who were
applicants for first and 2nd renewal for the increased intake from
100-150 seats, there can be no justifiable reason to apply a
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separate standard, which has no basis to the present institution.
In other words, we are of the considered view that the requisite
number of beds required for considering the application for
increase intake capacity from 100 to 150 students for its 2nd
batch (first renewal) can only be 470 and no more. The apparent
attempt at misleading the Court, is clear from the report itself,
whereas at Column 2.6 of the Inspection Report dated
7/8.1.2016, the inspecting team has concluded that occupancy of
beds were 82% “on actual physical verification” of the same. They
have also given a finding at 2.5 that the total beds available are
500. Consequently, for the purpose of the application of the
petitioner-institute, there can be no doubt that such an
institution only required to have 470 beds and instead of that,
stipulating 595 beds as a condition precedent for the purpose of
approval, is not in accordance with the MCI Regulations and is
clearly discriminatory and no “practice” as alleged has been
established by the MCI.
15. We may consider the aforesaid contentions in a different
angle. Even if we go on the basis of the claim “practice” as noted
in Annexure-R-2/1 to the reply affidavit to the consolidated writ
petition above, the requirement of 595 beds would at best be
required for the purpose of the 3rd batch who would only be
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admitted in the year 2016-17 and not the existing batch for the
year 2015-16. Even if the same logic as noted above is applied by
the MCI, then the actual requirement of increased beds would be
2/3rd of the increased beds. We are, therefore, of the considered
view that the petitioner-institution having 500 beds in existence,
has more than the statutory requirement of 470 beds and
therefore, the finding of the inspection team that teaching beds
are inadequate, is wholly factually incorrect.
15.1. The next deficiency pointed out relates to certain
limitations in the OPD Department. In this respect, reference
need only be made to the earlier inspection report dated
27/28.1.2015. The same is quoted as hereunder:
“Facilities available in OPD
Medicine Injection room -Male -Female
Yes Yes
E.C.G. Room Yes
Surgery Dressing room – -Male -Female
Minor OT Yes
Orthopaedics Plaster room
Yes
Plaster cutting room
Yes
15.2. We find that inspecting team inspected the institution
on 28.1.2015 found all the facilities of the OPD to be in order. In
fact, obviously, the latest Inspecting team report cannot be
30
accepted as factually correct and consequently, we are of the
considered view that the petitioner-institution has no deficiency
insofar as the OPD is concerned.
16. Insofar as the number of units available being allegedly
less in subject of General Medicine, Paediatrics etc. are
concerned. In this respect, the alleged deficiency has been
computed on the basis of the MCI’s insistence for the requirement
of 595 beds. For the reasons as noted hereinabove, since we have
concluded that only 470 beds are required for the present
purpose of the first renewal (second batch) for the year 2015-16,
the requirement as per the MCI regulation is only 19 units and
admittedly, the petitioner-institution does have 19 units for the
purpose of teaching in various departments are concerned.
16.1. Consequently, this finding of fact by the inspecting team
in their report dated 7/8.1.2016 is factually erroneous.
17. The alleged bed occupancy of 66.7% arrived at by the
inspecting team, again, is based upon their understanding that
the institution required 595 beds and not 470. Since we have
arrived at a conclusion that the institution required only 470
beds, the occupation rate of bed is 81.02% and not 66.70% as
determined.
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17.1. Insofar as the next allegation relating to the finding that
there were only five Caesarean Sections and there was nil Normal
Delivery which was found to be abnormally high ratio. In this
respect, the judgment cited and relied upon by the petitioner-
institution as noted hereinabove, is a clear and categoric
response to the said alleged deficiency and we can do no better
than to refer the aforesaid Civil Appeal No.7953 of 2015 where in
Para-17, Hon’ble Supreme Court has noted that such a deficiency
can hardly be treated as any deficiency. For reference the said
paragraph is quoted hereinbelow:
“17. With this we come to the deficiencies which are pointed by the High Court in para 14 of the impugned judgment and taken note of above. As far as first deficiency is concerned, it is stated that on the previous day (that is day prior to the date of inspection) there was nil normal delivery ad nil caesarean section. Likewise, second deficiency which is pointed out is to the effect that in the month of January, there were only 45 total deliveries and in the month of April there were only 38 deliveries which were inadequate and further special investigation like Ba, IVP were not carried out. The Hospital cannot be faulted with, in case there was no normal delivery or no caesarean section on a particular day. That can hardly be treated as any deficiency. Same would be the position in respect of number of deliveries in the month of January and April. Insofar as third deficiency is concerned, it is clarified by the learned senior counsel for the Society that the Hospital is having sonography and ultrasound facilities etc. and, therefore, BA/IVP are not carried out and, it would be hardly of any significance.”
32
17.2. Insofar as the discrepancy in data of major and minor
operations are concerned, the same ought to be read as major or
minor surgery and in this respect, although there appears to be
difference in number reported by the College and as per the OT
list, it should have been well understood by the inspecting team
that whereas OT list was taken during the time of inspection, the
report by the college is prepared at the end of the day and
consequently, there is bound to be discrepancies in this regard
during the day and consequently, we are also of the considered
view that such alleged discrepancy is not a fact and ought not to
be considered for denial of approval.
17.3. A further observation by the inspecting team in January
2016 that the institution was partly computerized, is wholly
opposed to the finding arrived at by the MCI’s own inspection
report dated 27/28.1.2015 which is extracted hereinbelow:
“Medical Record Section: Manual/Computerized: Computerized ICD X classification of diseases followed for indexing:Yes Staff: Available
1. Medical Record Officer 1 2. Statistician 1”
17.4. Insofar as there being NIL patients in SICU on the day of
assessment is concerned, this issue has already been dealt with by
the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Civil Appeal No.7953 of 2015 and we
33
are of the considered view that the facilities no doubt exists and the
actual utility of such facility will be dependant upon the needs of the
patients and the institution cannot be faulted for the SICU having no
patients on the date of assessment. The records of the SICU could
have been looked into for determining its utilization but the mere
fact that there was no patient in the SICU on the day of assessment,
is by itself of no consequence.
17.5. The further deficiency that, only four static X-ray
machines are available against the requirement of 5. It is asserted
on behalf of the petitioner-institution that an earlier inspection had
been carried out on 20.5.2015 and in the said inspection, the team
had found that the petitioner-institute have five numbers of Static X-
ray machines. But, it is explained by the petitioner-institution that
on the day of latest inspection in January, 2016, one machine of 300
mA was defective and steps have already been taken for being
replaced.
17.6. Inasmuch as the alleged deficiency of Examination Halls
are concerned, it is stated by the inspecting team in January, 2016
that the institution required 2 Examination Halls (250 capacity each)
whereas the petitioner-institution has only 1 Examination Hall of
250 capacity and another hall of 144 capacity. In terms of the
applicable MCI Regulation for colleges seeking first renewal for 150
34
students, the required number of Examination Hall is only 1 with
capacity of 250. It appears that since the inspecting team assumed
that they were inspecting the institution for the 3rd batch of students
for the academic year 2016-17, this erroneous consideration appears
to have crept in to the inspection report. It is further stated on
behalf of the petitioner-institution that they undertake to ensure 2
Examination Halls of 250 capacity are in place for the academic year
2016-17 when they would seek approval for admission into 3rd batch
of increased capacity.
17.7. Insofar as the Lecture Theaters are concerned, capacity
of 4 Lecture Theatres available is only 140 each against the
requirement of 180 each, in this respect, it is an admitted fact that
originally, the petitioner-institution had been granted recognition for
100 students and number of Lecture Theaters is 4 and each has
capacity of 120. When the petitioner-institution sought for increase
of capacity from 100-150 students, in terms of the applicable Rules
and Regulations of the MCI, the required number of Lecture Theatre
is only 2 with capacity of 180. In this respect, reference to be placed
on the inspecting report on 27/28.1.2015, in which the petitioner-
institution was assessed and found to have two Lecture Theaters
with capacity of 180 and 2 Lecture Theatres with capacity of 120
35
and consequently, the said deficiency also does not exists as on
date.
17.8. Insofar as the space for Central Library is concerned, it
is alleged that while the requirement of MCI is 1800 sq.m., the
available area is 1700 sq.m. It is clear from the MCI Regulations that
the Central Library should be of 1800 sq.m. at the time of the 2nd
renewal for 150 students (3rd batch). The institution would be
admitting students of 3rd batch only during the year 2016-17 and
once again since the inspection report proceeded on the footing that
it was inspecting the institution for admission of its 3rd batch in
2016-17, this error of fact has crept in. It is once again reiterated
herein that the petitioner-institution and the present writ petition
itself relate to admission for the year 2015-16 (2nd batch) and
consequently, the requirement of 1800 sq.m. at the present stage
and time, does not form part of the requirements under MCI’s
Regulations. Learned counsel for the petitioner-institution of course
undertook that the institution would also increase the available area
of the Central library to meet the required norm before it seeks
approval for its next batch (3rd batch) during the year 2016-17.
17.9. Insofar the Students’ Hostel and the deficiency noted
therein are concerned, in January 2016 report, we need not deal
with the same since the MCI’s own inspection report dated
36
27/28.1.2015 have found to have determined that the petitioner
college has the necessary requisite facilities of Visitors’ Rooms,
Recreation Rooms, TV, music, indoor games, study room with
computer in its students’ hostel and indeed has all the necessary
facilities for such students.
17.10. Similarly, the issue regarding Interns’ Hostel and the
alleged deficiency therein as well as the Residents Hostel and the
deficiency therein if vetted against the earlier inspection report dated
27/28.1.2015, are in stark contrast to each other and no
explanation is provided by the MCI as to why the earlier report on
these aspects cannot be relied upon.
17.11. Similarly in the case of the alleged discrepancy of
deficiency of playground is concerned, the inspection report dated
27/28.1.2015 is an adequate response thereto where the inspecting
team found adequate facilities for playgrounds, outdoor games as
well as cricket and football.
17.12. Insofar the alleged deficiency regarding Anatomy
Department (CT and MRI films) not being available is concerned,
once again reliance can be placed on the earlier inspection report
dated 27/28.1.2015 in which the assessors of the MCI assessed and
had found 31 units of MRI CT films in course of their inspection.
37
18. On consideration of the circumstances and fact
situation as noted hereinabove, it would be appropriate to take note
of the Order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Civil Appeal No.7953 of
2015 and in particular, Para-18 thereof, which is quoted
hereinbelow:
“We are satisfied that in the aforesaid circumstances there was no need to direct conducting of re-inspection by the Medical Council of India and for the Academic Year 2015-2016 direction could have been given by the High Court for grant of permission once the order of the Central Government was found to be contrary to law.”
18.1. In view of the aforesaid direction of the Hon’ble Supreme
Court, we being satisfied in the present circumstances that, we find
no need to direct conducting re-inspection by the MCI for the
academic year 2015-16 and we hereby direct the MCI to grant the
necessary permission to the petitioner-institution to continue with
the education of its students admitted prior to September 2015
within the revised enhanced intake i.e. 100 to 150, since we are of
the considered view that no deficiency as alleged exists in the
present circumstances.
19. Accordingly, the letter dated 1.4.2015 issued by the MCI
as well as the letter dated 15.06.2015 issued by the Government of
India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are quashed and we
direct the MCI and the Union of India to issue necessary permission
38
forthwith, so that, the future educational prospects of students
already admitted by the petitioner-intuition are not put in jeopardy.
20. With the aforesaid direction, the writ application is
allowed.
…………………….
I.Mahanty, J. Dr.D.P.Choudhury, J. - I agree.
..……..……..…………... Dr.D.P.Choudhury, J.
ORISSA HIGH COURT: CUTTACK 4th March, 2016/RKS