Students of the first MBBS batch at ESIC Medical College in Noida have launched a strike, protesting against inadequate infrastructure and the absence of basic facilities on campus. The students allege that non-air-conditioned lecture halls, combined with temperatures soaring to around 40 degrees Celsius, have made learning conditions unbearable. They also highlighted the lack of clean drinking water and essential equipment in laboratories.
Protest Over Basic Amenities
“It feels like the college has been opened in a hurry without ensuring the essential arrangements,” said a student. The entire batch of 50 students is participating in the protest. The biochemistry lab, in particular, lacks basic equipment, hampering practical learning.
Lecture Hall Conditions
One student noted that the lecture halls are not air-conditioned and have only five to six wall fans that barely function. “We started our classes in September and did not feel the heat until summer commenced. Now, in April, when the temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius, it has become suffocating for us. We start feeling dizzy and claustrophobic within an hour,” she said. “Sitting continuously for seven to eight hours in such conditions is simply not possible. Some of us have even felt on the verge of fainting during lectures.”
Lack of Drinking Water
Students also pointed to the absence of clean drinking water facilities on campus, calling it a basic necessity that has been overlooked. “We have to buy water from outside every day. It costs at least Rs 100 daily. This is something that should be provided in any educational institution, especially a medical college,” another student said.
Laboratory Equipment Issues
Concerns have also been raised over the lack of proper equipment in physiology and biochemistry laboratories, which are crucial for first-year medical training. “Our practical learning is getting affected. We are being taught theoretically, but without functioning labs, it defeats the purpose of a medical education,” a student added.
Financial Burden and Regret
Some students regret choosing the college for their undergraduate education. “We pay Rs 1.25 lakh per year, which makes it one of the costliest government medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh. I chose this college over other options because it is in Noida and was expected to have better facilities,” said a student. “But the reality is completely different. It feels like we made the wrong choice.” Despite repeated complaints to the administration, students claim that no substantial action has been taken so far.
College Administration Response
“This is not a major issue as it is being projected. The academic block we are currently using is part of the old OPD building, where there was no provision for central air-conditioning. We have already initiated the process to install split ACs, and a fresh tender has now been opened. We expect the installation to be completed within a week to ten days,” said Dr Harnam Kaur, Dean of ESIC Medical College.
She explained that temporary arrangements have already been made to ensure classes are not disrupted. “We have shifted students to our seven-storey ward building, which is centrally air-conditioned, and have arranged proper teaching facilities there, including projectors and seating,” she said. “All laboratories are fully functional, and drinking water facilities are available. The concern regarding water coolers is related to their placement in residential areas, where unrestricted access could lead to misuse. However, we are in the process of increasing the number of water coolers in designated areas to meet rising demand,” Kaur added.
