The issue has brought the academic future of 50 students from the institution’s first MBBS batch into question. Students allege that essential facilities required for core medical subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry are either missing or grossly inadequate, prompting them to recently boycott practical classes in protest.
According to students, the most serious lapse is in the Anatomy department, where no cadavers have been provided so far. As per NMC guidelines, medical colleges must maintain one cadaver for every 10 to 15 students to ensure adequate hands-on training. Despite repeated representations, students claim not a single cadaver has been arranged.
“The entire Anatomy syllabus is being taught using slides. Without dissection, it is impossible to understand human anatomy properly,” said a student, requesting anonymity.
Students have also flagged poor infrastructure in Physiology and Biochemistry laboratories. They claim that basic equipment such as microscopes, test tubes, beakers, reagents, and even examination tables are unavailable. Practical sessions, they allege, are reduced to theoretical demonstrations through presentations, contrary to prescribed teaching standards.
The situation has caused deep anxiety among students, many of whom made deliberate choices to join the Indore institute. More than 35 students are from Hindi-medium backgrounds, and several reportedly left seats at established government medical colleges in Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Ratlam to enroll at ESIC Medical College.
“We trusted that a central government institution would meet all norms. Now we feel our crucial learning time is being wasted,” said another student.
Responding to the allegations, Dr U. Rajesh Sangram, Dean of ESIC Medical College Indore, acknowledged the students’ concerns and said corrective steps are underway.
“The complaints have been taken seriously. We have initiated the process to resolve the issues and request one week’s time to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place,” he said.
Medical education experts warn that prolonged delays in practical training can have long-term consequences for students’ competence and confidence. If the deficiencies persist, the matter may invite scrutiny from the NMC, which is mandated to monitor compliance with minimum standards in medical colleges.
For now, students remain uncertain, insisting that without proper laboratories and hands-on training, their medical education—and future careers—remain at risk.
