Archive · 24 Dec 2025
DMER Bans Inter-District Transfers of MD-MS Students
The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) in Maharashtra has imposed a complete ban on the inter-district transfers of postgraduate medical students (MD/MS) under the District Residency Programme.
This means that students must complete their residency at the medical colleges where they are currently enrolled.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) made this programme mandatory for students admitted from the academic year 2020-21 onwards.
The programme requires students to undergo three months of training in district civil hospitals during their third, fourth, and fifth semesters.
These hospitals rely on postgraduate trainees for routine patient care, and the ban could lead to a shortage of doctors.
DMER noted that some colleges and students were not following the rules, leading to this strict enforcement.
The resident doctors’ body Central MARD opposes the decision, arguing that it will worsen the situation in district hospitals.
Healthcare experts warn that this could impact patient care in rural and semi-urban areas.
DMER imposed a complete ban on inter-district transfers of postgraduate (MD/MS) students under the District Residency Programme.
Students must complete their residency at their parent medical colleges, with no transfers allowed under any circumstances.
The District Residency Programme is mandatory for postgraduate students admitted from the academic year 2020-21 onwards, as per NMC guidelines.
Postgraduate trainees play a vital role in public healthcare, assisting in outpatient departments, emergency services, and surgeries in district civil hospitals.
DMER noted administrative lapses by colleges and students, leading to the enforcement of the blanket ban on inter-district transfers.
- Who
- Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), postgraduate (MD/MS) students, Central MARD
- What
- Ban on inter-district transfers of postgraduate medical students under the District Residency Programme
- When
- Effective immediately, with the NMC mandate issued on September 16, 2020
- Where
- District civil hospitals across Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To address administrative lapses and ensure compliance with the District Residency Programme
- Organization
- Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER)
- Programme
- District Residency Programme
- Mandate
- National Medical Commission (NMC) notification dated September 16, 2020
- Duration
- Three months during third, fourth, and fifth semesters
- Impact
- Potential doctor shortage in district civil hospitals
- Opposition
- Central MARD (resident doctors’ body)
- Compliance
- Strict adherence to postings allotted by DMER
