The Union Health Ministry has initiated a review of summer and winter vacation arrangements for teaching doctors at government medical colleges, seeking detailed information on faculty availability, hospital services and academic activities during leave periods.
An expert committee constituted by the ministry to examine vacation and academic leave provisions for Central Health Service (CHS) teaching faculty held its first meeting on August 31.
Three Delhi Medical Institutions Asked to Submit Records
The ministry has sought information from three major medical institutions in Delhi: Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College and its associated hospitals.
After the institutions failed to provide the requested information, a reminder was issued on September 28. Subsequently, on October 28, RML Hospital instructed heads of clinical departments to submit verified records within two days.
Review to Examine Impact on Patient Care
The committee is examining whether existing vacation arrangements allow hospitals to maintain adequate medical services while faculty members are on leave.
Institutions have been asked to provide details of sanctioned faculty positions, vacation schedules, the number of doctors permitted to take leave simultaneously, and arrangements for deploying resident and non-teaching doctors.
The ministry has also requested monthly hospital performance data for 2024-25 and 2025-26, covering outpatient attendance, inpatient admissions, ICU occupancy and surgical procedures.
A key aspect of the review is whether the existing system, under which up to 50% of faculty members may be on vacation at a time, adequately supports patient care and academic responsibilities.
Academic Leave and Research Outcomes Under Examination
Beyond regular vacations, the committee is reviewing the use of academic and on-duty leave by teaching faculty.
Medical institutions have been asked to report outcomes associated with such leave, including research publications, grants, new projects, teaching initiatives and clinical skills acquired.
The review will also examine whether faculty members submit reports after academic leave and whether institutions have mechanisms to monitor the professional benefits of these activities.
Additionally, the committee will assess the possible effects of faculty absences on undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, examinations, research and academic administration.
No Decision Yet on Vacation Policy
Concerns have also been raised about differences in leave provisions across central government medical institutions. However, the extent of these differences has not been established.
While allegations regarding extended absences through combinations of vacation and other leave categories have surfaced, these claims remain unverified.
The ministry’s current exercise is focused on collecting institutional records and evaluating existing arrangements. No official decision has been announced to reduce, restrict or discontinue vacations for teaching doctors.
