A serious controversy has erupted in Mumbai’s healthcare and medical training community following allegations of fraudulent practices in the issuance of Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) certificates at Bhabha Hospital, Bandra. The Rashtriya Mulnivasi Bahujan Karmachari Sangh (RMBKS), a workers’ union representing healthcare employees, has alleged that CNE certificates were distributed to hundreds of nurses without any actual training sessions being conducted.
According to a letter submitted by RMBKS to Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, organisers of the Continuous Nursing Education / Continuous Professional Development (CNE/CPD) courses have been charging nurses between Rs 300 and Rs 2000 to attend sessions and receive certificates.
“As per the Indian Nursing Council’s rules, these sessions must be conducted free of cost for all nurses, with credit points awarded based on the duration of each session. However, the organisers have turned this educational activity into a money-making exercise,” said Avinash Shende, RMBKS chief secretary (Maharashtra Chapter). “When a similar session was held in Nagpur, we protested and got the fees waived. What was the need to charge in the first place, especially against the rules?” he questioned.
Session at Bhabha Hospital
A senior official from Bhabha Hospital, Bandra, revealed that the Trained Nurses Association (TNA) – Maharashtra Chapter had approached the hospital seeking space to conduct a session on October 3. “Initially, we agreed, since such education is important for nurses. At first, they didn’t mention any fees. Later, we learned they planned to charge Rs 500 per nurse. We objected, and they reduced it to Rs 300. We were unaware that this has to be conducted free of charge, and we trusted them,” the official said.
A copy of the certificate issued to the nurses after the session. Pic/By Special Arrangement
He added that 365 CNE certificates were generated — copies of which are in mid-day’s possession — during a single-day session in the hospital’s meeting hall. “Seeing such a large number shocked me. The hall can seat only 50 people, or around 70 if everyone stands. It’s impossible that 365 nurses attended a five-hour session in that space. Clearly, the organisers failed to deliver any real training,” he said.
‘Impossible and corrupt’
Shende also raised doubts about the legitimacy of the session. “How can over 300 nurses be trained effectively in five hours in a hall that holds only 50? Were they trained in shifts? Was the content even taught? This is blatant corruption,” he said. “As a nurse myself, I know this is impossible. Mumbai hospitals are already short-staffed — it’s not feasible for so many nurses to attend simultaneously. This is a clear misuse of the situation,” he added.
The union has alleged that certificates were issued in exchange for payment, without verifying attendance or education. “This is not mere mismanagement — it’s outright fraud. It undermines the integrity of the nursing profession,” an RMBKS spokesperson said.
Nurses couldn’t recall class
When mid-day spoke to some nurses who were listed as attendees, most could not describe what was taught. “The topic was Infection Control. They spoke about cleanliness,” said one nurse. Another added, “I attended only about two hours, but still got the certificate with 10 credit points. We get 10 points for a five-hour session.”
TNA responds
When contacted, Rajabhau Rathod, president of TNA (Maharashtra Branch), said, “Our aim is to provide upgraded education to all healthcare professionals. Yes, there was a space crunch as we didn’t expect such a large turnout. We managed by using the passage as well. It’s true that over 300 nurses attended, and certificates were distributed.” Minister Hasan Mushrif has ordered an inquiry into the matter, but no investigation report has been submitted yet.
Why courses matter
CNE/CPD courses are mandatory for nurses, who must earn 150 credit points every five years to renew their professional licenses. “For doctors, earning 50 CME points in five years is easy due to frequent conferences. But nurses, who are already overburdened, struggle to reach 150 points — making them vulnerable to such exploitation,” said the hospital official. “This issue has resurfaced because the next license renewal cycle is due in 2027,” the official added.
