Sunday, April 7, 2013

TIMES OF INDIA REPORT "Students need not worry as an order from the SC is likely soon."-Directorate of Medical Education and Research

Medical college row: PG admissions may get delayed


MUMBAI: The ongoing battle between private medical colleges and the Medical Council of India(MCI) over the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) could further delay admissions to post-graduate courses. Close to one lakh students in the country, including 8,000-odd from the state, are waiting for their entrance results.

Aspiring post-graduate medical students had appeared for the NEET-PG, which was held in November last year, amidst much protest from private medical colleges. The results, though, have been withheld till the Supreme Court ruling on the issue.

Owing to an over two-month delay in declaring the results, counselling for admissions, which usually begins by April, has not started yet.

Around 104 private colleges and a few state governments had gone to court challenging MCI's decision to hold a single national entrance for MBBS and MD/ MS courses. According to the MCI, a single common entrance can be the most effective tool in curbing money-makingracket in medical colleges.

The MCI on Thursday had asked for another two weeks' time to make a written submission on NEET-PG.

Students, who were hoping for an interim order, are disappointed as the wait is getting longer. An MCI official told TOI the academic session may get delayed but it is only for the larger good of students. "A recent sting operation carried out in New Delhi has shown how colleges are selling PG seats for Rs 2-3 crore. This, even as the results are yet to be announced." The official also said it was a matter of grave concern that non-meritorious students were buying medical seats and graduating as doctors. "It is common knowledge that we are not producing good doctors."

Students, on the other hand, are anxious they may lose a year. An MBBS doctor practising in a civic hospital said, "There is no urgency to end the confusion. We are doubtful the academic session will start in May."

Dr Pravin Shingare, head of Directorate of Medical Education and Research, said, "Students need not worry as an order from the SC is likely soon."


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