NMC Cautions Medical Colleges Over Fake Disciplinary Action Letters

The National Medical Commission’s (NMC) Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) alerted of a fake letter that was making the rounds on social media. The NMC notes that there has been no official letter dated February 3, 2024, issued by the UGMEB of NMC.

The fake letter issued to medical colleges is related to the weeding out of ghost or part-time faculties. The NMC advised medical colleges not to fall into the trap of any such misinformation and warned miscreants for strict actions under the relevant law.

The fake letter dated February 3 signed by the director of UGMEB Sharan Kumar mentioned a large number of ghost faculty members active participation in helping the institution create fictitious fingerprints for the Adhaar-enabled biometric attendance system, so turning into an accomplice in crime. The latter also added that the names of the institutions have been forwarded to concerned authorities to take disciplinary actions in this matter.

However, the council strongly encouraged stakeholders to verify the authenticity of any communication by referring to the NMC website. The regulatory body asked them to visit the official website nmc.org.in to gain any information.

It also advised checking the council’s website to verify any notices, circulars, and letters circulating on social media. The council said that if a letter is not sent by a dedicated email of UGMEB or NM as well as by the post from NMC the stakeholders should ignore it and reply only to those letters, circulars, and notices issued or available by NMC website.

Regulations in India to curb fake online content

Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021

According to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, social media companies should have to take down any content that the Press Information Bureau’s fact-checking unit has determined to be inaccurate once it has been fact-checked. The purpose of this regulation is to stop false information and fake news from spreading on social media.

IT Act 2008

The IT Act of 2008’s Section 66 D governs offenses pertaining to internet communication. This involves taking legal action against anyone who use social media or communication services to spread offensive content. This law can be utilized to punish people who use internet communication to disseminate false information.

The Prohibition of Fake News On Social Media Bill, 2023

It suggests creating a social media regulating body with a member from each of the Houses of Parliament to forbid the spread of false information.