Title: Regarding discharge of 6 post graduate medical students of SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Orissa due to the guidelines of Medical Council of India (MCI)..
SHRI B. MAHTAB : Sir, I would like to draw the attention of the Government towards a very piquant situation which has arisen in Orissa relating to the postgraduate medical students. Recently, a letter was sent by the Medical Council of India to the Principal, SCB Medical College, Cuttack stating: “You have admitted more number of students and you did not get the permission from the MCI.” For the last 10 to 12 years, the SCB Medical College is admitting postgraduate students specially for paediatrics. So, 12 students were admitted. In January 2004, the State Government deposited the requisite amount and sent the application to the Central Government for forwarding it to the MCI. Accordingly, the Central Government had forwarded that application to the MCI. In the MCI Booklet, it is mentioned that whatever are the criteria, they would be followed. An Inspector was to be appointed and accordingly an Inspector was appointed in the month of April.
The academic session starts in June. By 30th June, all requisite admission procedures are to be completed; but the admissions are to be completed by 31st May. So, the Health Department of Orissa and the Medical College admitted the students for post-graduation. But to our surprise, the Inspector visited that place who was supposed to give a report before the admissions took place in the month of November; and in 2005, he is giving a show cause notice, asking them why they had admitted those students, they should be debarred and discharged from the Medical College.
They are bright students, pursuing their post-graduation studies, that too, in Paediatrics. Orissa has dearth of paediatricians. Today also, we had a number of questions in this regard, although they did not come up. Orissa is in need of paediatricians, so also the whole country. This is a national issue.
Once the PG students are removed, the whole PG list in which students have been admitted for general medicines, for surgery, etc., will become topsy-turvy. I would like to draw the attention of the Government through you, Sir, to this issue, and something should be done immediately to instruct the MCI so that the students are allowed to complete their studies. Already they had pursued 11 months of studies. One more year is there to complete the course. At least they should be allowed to pursue their studies and subsequently for furture students , whatever method is required to be followed, that could be followed in 2005. This is my earnest request to you.
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Tripathy can associate with this issue; Shri Swain can associate with this issue.
SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY : Sir, this is a serious matter. I am associating with this issue. The Government should take immediate action; we have shortage of doctors in Orissa.
MR. SPEAKER: I think, the House should associated with this. I consider the future of the students important.