Absence of NEET centre in Kashmir jeopardizes career of aspirants: DAK

Srinagar: With no National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) centre in Kashmir for postgraduate medical courses, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) said the decision would jeopardize the career of thousands of aspiring doctors.

DAK president Dr Nisar ul Hassan said in a statement that absence of examination centre for MD/MS/PG Diploma courses has left aspirant doctors in deep lurch.
"National Board of Examination is conducting an online common entrance test for various postgraduate courses on January 7," he said.

The DAK President said for this test, 129 examination centres have been established across the country, but Kashmir has been once again left out. "We are surprised with the decision."

He said, "Last year, we were assured that examination centre will be provided to us, but to our utter dismay Kashmir is yet again missing on centre list."
Dr Nisar said while for majority in Kashmir there is no centre, Jammu has been given two centres which clearly shows a regional bias.

He said most of the doctors who are appearing for the test are working in various hospitals and calling huge number of doctors outside Kashmir for the test would collapse the healthcare delivery system. This would disrupt the functioning of hospitals and affect patient care.

Dr Nisar said this would mean the doctors who were hoping to pursue postgraduate courses won't be able to write the test.

"That would not only jeopardize the career of candidates, but would mean depriving people of Kashmir the services of specialist doctors," he added.

He said candidates are asked to go outside for the examination at a time when road and air connectivity is cut off due to harsh winter and valley remains disconnected from rest of the country.

Dr Nisar said when NEET was imposed, Kashmir was up in arms against the decision as it was against the special status of the state and would shatter the dreams of aspiring candidates.

"That time we were told it won't be against the interests of aspirants, but the claim has proved a hoax," he said.