Conversion of PG Diploma to MD,MS seats: Goa Medical College loses 22 seats, students see red

Panaji: A major disappointment comes for the MBBS students, as the Goa Medical College(GMC) missed the opportunity to increase the number of its doctoral and masters seats. GMC failed to apply for an upgrade for its diploma seats before the ministry of health and family affairs.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that following the decision of the Medical Council of India to stop all MCI recognised postgraduate diploma courses in Medical colleges and give equal number of MD/MS seats in return to the medical colleges, the Ministry of Health had issued PUBLIC notice, giving a last chance to medical colleges to take advantage of the scheme

The notice informed that for those medical colleges who had already applied for the same, their applications are being considered on priority. Adding that the last date to issue a letter of permission for the academic session 2019-20 is 28.02.2019, the notice stated that the Ministry is going to consider only those applications of conversion which will be received till 25.01.2019.

Read Also: Conversion of PG Diploma Seats to MD,MS seats: Ministry of Health issues notice

While many medical colleges took advantage of this one time opportunity to increase their MD/MS seats, it appears that Goa Medical college with its 22 PG diploma seats has missed the bus.

Had GMC availed this one-time up gradation it would have enhanced its tally of 139 Medicinae Doctor (MD) and Master of Surgery (MS) seats by 22

These 22 diploma seats ranged in a number of specialisations including radiology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, preventive and social medicine, anaesthesia and gynaecology that could have been upgraded.

Lamenting the resultant loss of seats, an official told TOI, Faculties of radiology, orthopaedics and paediatrics are always in great demand and there is a stiff competition to get admission to these faculties. He further added that applying for the up gradation would have been very beneficial for students.

The official alleged to TOI that the clarification offered by the administration was that there was a fear of losing the seats on up gradation in case any deficiencies were observed later.

"This is the most absurd explanation for not taking up the offer," the official told the daily.

According to the daily, the Medical Council Of India(MCI) ) inspection of the upgraded seats would have been held after three years, and in any case, would not have resulted in the scrapping of the diploma seats.

It is reported that the health minister Vishwajit Rane, said he has spoken to secretary health J Ashok Kumar on the matter and would issue of written letter.

Given the objection from students, Goa medical college might try to restore by making an application with delay and justifying the situation

Also Read: 32 medical colleges to get LOP for 21 PG Medical Courses, Check out details