All medical colleges to fall under the ambit of a new corporation in MP

Bhopal: The Directorate of Medical Education's(DME), idea of all Medical Colleges being governed under the ambit of a newly formed corporation, and the draft rules put forth by the DME are being frowned upon by the medical fraternity. This is the case as the new corporation would have the powers of both recruitment and transfer of doctors and members of staff to other colleges.

Till now the 7 Government Medical Colleges run by autonomous bodies were taken care of by them , making transfers to other institutions impossible. There were no pensions being given to those retiring either.

According to source,s the human resource policy of the new corporation would encourage transfers thereby filling vacancies in new colleges planned to be set up in the state. Thereby, leading to fulfillment of MCI requirements. The government is planning to set up new medical colleges in areas like Vidisha, and other places. The new corporation would help fill vacancies of staff in new medical colleges. "The proposal is in nascent stage and has to be presented before higher authorities," said a DME official.

The setting up of the corporation would bring all medical colleges under one umbrella, departing from the age old policy of autonomy.

"A consolidated fund would be provided by the state government under the corporation. Currently autonomous bodies have to rely on various sources for financial assistance," said an official from Gandhi Medical College (GMC).

Increase in MBBS and PG seats is also being actively considered by the government to boost the healthcare industry.

However, formulation of a corporation is being resented by doctors and consultants. "We were recruited by an autonomous body and our contract categorically states the job is non-transferrable. Formation of a corporation under which all medical colleges would be administrated would take away the independence of medical college administration," a consultant, preferring anonymity told TOI.

Autonomous bodies have worked to advantage for government medical colleges which have witnessed growth and self-sufficiency in the last two decades.