GMC Kottayam to lose MCI MBBS approval

Thiruvananthapuram: Government Medical College(GMC), Kottayam might have the Medical Council of India(MCI), axe fall on it, if it doesn't submit a compliance within a month on deficiencies related to infrastructure and faculty. The MCI has recommended suspension of recognition for its MBBS course to the state government, already.

The Principal of the medical college has to as per council orders submit a compliance report within one month after rectification. The de-recognition recommendation was made by a team of MCI experts, who visited the college, on July 26 and 27, this year.

"MCI's executive committee did not recommend the continuation of recognition that was granted by Kerala University of Health Sciences for the MBBS course. It further decided that the institute must submit a compliance report after rectifying the deficiencies within a month," stated the MCI order, reports TOI

However,Rajeev Sadanandan, the Additional Chief Secretary, (health) has expressed confidence in the college overcoming the derecognition threat, saying that it was purely a technical issue. "Once we give the compliance report, MCI will reconsider its decision. But in this case, the government will look into the issue and overcome deficiencies that were reported by MCI," he added.

The MCI's assessment report elaborating on the faculty deficiencies pointed out that the college had two professor post (one each in Forensic Medicine and Anaesthesiology) vacancies and five associate professors (one each in Biochemistry, General Medicine, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, and Orthopaedics) vacancies. It also mentioned that the institution had to appoint 14 Assistant Professors (entry cadre) - two in Community Medicine, two in Epidemiology, four in General Medicine and six in General Surgery.

The report also highlighted vacancies for 'Senior Resident' posts: one each in Anaesthesiology, Paediatrics, and Radiology. The present seat strength of 150 MBBS seats will be reduced to a 100 at the college if the MCI inspectors find the compliance to be submitted at the end of the month- dissatisfactory.

Another inspection by the Council will follow after the compliance report is submitted, reports TOI.