New Delhi: In compliance with the direction passed by Patna High Court, the apex medical council, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has asked the Department of Medical Education of all States and Union Territory governments to take immediate steps to fill vacant posts in the medical teaching service. The court has set a targeted timeline of next six months for the completion of this recruitment process in medical colleges.

In an official communication dated 13.3.2026, Dr Raghav Langer, Secretary has written to the Additional Chief Secretaries/Principal Secretaries/Secretaries of Medical Education Departments across all States/UTs, directing them to start recruitment drives in a time-bound manner.

"I am directed to forward herewith a copy of the judgement dated 17.01.2026 passed by the Hon'ble High Court of Patna in Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No. 11111 of 2025 (copy enclosed) titled Dr. Shyam Kumar Satyapal & Ors. vs. National Medical Commission & Ors., for necessary compliance on the part of State/UT Governments to initiate appointment / recruitment drive to fill up vacant posts in medical teaching service within a time bound period," the communication mentioned.

The communication has been issued following the judgment of the Patna High Court dated 17.01.2026 in Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No. 11111 of 2025 titled Dr Shyam Kumar Satyapal & Ors. vs. National Medical Commission & Ors. In the judgment, the court asked NMC to take appropriate action in directing the State Government(s) to initiate an appointment/recruitment drive to fill up a huge number of vacant posts in the medical teaching service within a time-bound period, while hearing a petition about the challenges in the implementation of the Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System.

The Commission further noted that the Court has asked authorities to act quickly and preferably complete the recruitment process within six months from the date of the order.

Source: Medical Dialogues - March 17,2026