JIPMER Clarifies RTI Data on PG Resident Resignations, Rejects Institutional Failure Claims

The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry,  has issued an official clarification disputing recent media reports that linked RTI data on postgraduate resident resignations and psychiatric counselling to institutional shortcomings. In a statement released on June 30, 2026, the institute alleged that cumulative figures obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act had been presented without academic context, creating what it described as a “defamatory narrative” against the institution. 

The clarification follows reports claiming that 332 postgraduate residents discontinued their courses between 2020 and 2025 , while 230 individuals sought mental health counselling during the same period. JIPMER argued that these numbers should not be interpreted as evidence of widespread dissatisfaction or excessive workplace stress. According to the institute, residency positions are structured training appointments with fixed tenures, and a significant proportion of resignations occur due to routine seat upgradation during successive INI-CET counselling rounds or because candidates later secure preferred specialties through NEET-PG. The institute stated that approximately 20% of PG residents voluntarily resign each year as part of this nationally established counselling process rather than because of institutional issues.

Also read: JIPMER Panel Finds HoD Guilty of Professional Misconduct Against Junior Resident

Institute Defends Mental Health Support, Calls for Responsible Reporting

Addressing concerns regarding psychiatric counselling data, JIPMER emphasized that healthcare professionals routinely seek mental health support for a wide spectrum of reasons extending beyond workplace stress. The institute stated that students, residents, and staff access counselling for interpersonal conflicts, family concerns, adjustment difficulties, and other personal challenges. It further clarified that the reported figure of 230 counselling encounters between 2020 and 2025 should not be interpreted as 230 unique individuals, as several residents attended multiple follow-up sessions as part of continuing care. The institute highlighted its J-CARES mental health programme, designed to encourage help-seeking behaviour while reducing stigma surrounding psychological support. 

JIPMER also outlined several resident welfare measures already in place, including a 48-hour weekly work schedule,  structured orientation programmes, faculty mentorship, and grievance redressal mechanisms. While defending its resident support framework, the institute urged media organisations to verify institutional data with official sources before publication, arguing that RTI responses require contextual interpretation rather than isolated presentation. The clarification comes amid increasing national scrutiny of resident doctor welfare and mental health following multiple reports highlighting burnout, workplace stress, and postgraduate attrition across Indian medical institutions. The latest statement reflects the growing debate over balancing transparency through RTI disclosures with accurate interpretation of institutional data in public discourse.