Explain faculty shortages in govt med colleges: Hyderabad HC asks MCI, TS

Hyderabad: The Telangana Government and the Medical Council of India have been directed by a division bench of the High Court to furnish reasons for faculty shortages in government medical colleges in the state by October 24, 2017.

The bench of acting Chief Justice, Ramesh Ranganathan and Justice J Uma Devi on Tuesday had asked for furnishing of the above details, in response to a petition filed by the Society for Social Awareness, an NGO, represented by its President, Dr G Harikishan Goud, against government's action of retiring experienced and qualified medical teachers at the age of 58 years. However, simultaneously, giving them permission to pursue teaching at private medical colleges, till 70 years of age. The PIL also states that the government has taken no initiative in filling up vacancies of government teachers in government medical colleges.

Sarasani Satyam Reddy, Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioners complained that the government was initiating three new colleges, without filling up the existing vacancies in the old ones.

An assistant professor post calls for an MD/MS/MCH/DM degree and 12 years of experience, states a recent report in the New Indian Express

Therefore, while doctors become assistant professors at the age of 45 years, they retire at the age of 58 years. Most of the professors who gain experience in government colleges are joining private medical institutions to retire at the age of 70.

The counsel noted that this shift of approximately 80 professors from the government to private institutions on attaining 58 years of age was adversely affecting the quality of medical education and services to the poor.

The counsel highlighted that the state government's professor shifts to the three new colleges, to get MCI approval should not have the government overlook the existing needs of vacant faculty positions in Government medical colleges.

The senior counsel sought that directions be given by the court to the state government to take steps to fill the vacant posts in government medical colleges.

The Counsel's arguments had the bench direct respondent authorities to file their counter-affidavits explaining the reasons for the shortage of professors/medical faculty in the state and has posted the matter for hearing on October 24 reports TNIE.