Telangana doctors' association seeks KNRUHS probe into KIMS fee collection

The Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA), Telangana, has urged the Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS) to take immediate action against the alleged illegal collection of fifth-year MBBS tuition fees by Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Narketpally. The association has also called for protection of students from what it described as coercive measures adopted by the institution.

In a representation submitted to the Vice-Chancellor of KNRUHS on Thursday, the HRDA said it had received a complaint from parents and guardians of MBBS students belonging to the 2022 and 2024 batches. The complaint alleged that the college was collecting the entire fifth-year tuition fee while students were still pursuing their fourth academic year, in violation of the university's directives.

The association referred to a KNRUHS letter dated April 21, in which the university had directed all affiliated medical colleges to calculate MBBS tuition fees only for four-and-a-half years and collect them in five equal instalments. The letter had warned that violations would invite strict action.

Despite these clear instructions, the college continued to demand the fifth-year fee in advance, the HRDA alleged. The association further claimed that students were being subjected to coercive practices, including denial of hostel accommodation despite payment of hostel fees, threats of eviction from hostels, and preventing day scholars from entering the campus or attending classes unless the disputed fee was paid.

The HRDA has requested KNRUHS to conduct an immediate inquiry into the alleged fee collection practices, direct the institution to comply with the April 21 circular, stop all coercive measures against students, order refund or adjustment of any excess tuition fee collected, initiate appropriate regulatory and disciplinary action against the institution, and extend relief to all similarly placed MBBS students.

The development highlights the ongoing concerns over fee regulation in private medical colleges in Telangana. Affiliated colleges are expected to adhere to the university's fee structure and collection schedules to ensure transparency and protect student interests. The KNRUHS has not yet issued a public statement on the representation. Students and parents affected by the alleged practice will be watching the university's next steps closely.