SC Orders Meeting to Fill Vacant Medical Seats, Urges Stakeholders to Act

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Friday emphasized that medical seats should not be allowed to remain vacant, directing the Centre to hold a meeting with relevant stakeholders to address the issue. A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan raised concerns over the unfilled super specialty seats in medical courses, which has been a long-standing issue.

In a hearing regarding the matter, the Court reiterated that the issue of vacant seats in medical courses was alarming, and emphasized the importance of resolving it. In April 2023, the Court had flagged the unfilled super specialty seats, prompting the Centre to set up a committee to look into it. This committee includes representatives from various states, private medical colleges, and the director general of health services.

The Centre’s counsel confirmed that the committee had already provided its recommendations, and suggested that a concrete proposal should be formed in consultation with all stakeholders. As a result, the Court has directed the Centre to arrange a meeting to ensure a feasible and comprehensive solution is reached promptly.