Goa Medical College misses bus to convert PG Diploma Seats; Dean Relieved for Committing SERIOUS Lapses

Panaji: While many states have got their concerned Post Graduate (PG) Diploma seats converted to PG degree; Goa Medical College (GMC) has apparently missed the bus.

This is, as believed by the authorities, a "serious lapse" on the part of GMC Dean Dr Pradeep Naik, who has now been relieved of his Dean charge, was recently ordered to report to the health department.

An inquiry has also been initiated and for the time being, Dr S M Bandekar who is an Orthopaedic surgeon and a Medical Superintendent has been chosen by the health department to take the charge of Dean. Dr Bandekar has also been given the charge of Director of the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) in addition to his own duties until further orders.

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane recently informed that Dr Bandekar will be sent to Delhi to pursue the matter with the Medical Council of India (MCI).

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported about the public notice issued by the Union Health Ministry giving a last chance to medical colleges to take advantage of the scheme proposed by the MCI which decided to stop all MCI recognised Post-Graduate diploma courses in Medical colleges and give an equal number of MD/MS seats in return.

The notice stated that the Ministry is going to consider only those applications of conversion which will be received till 25.01.2019. The Last date to issue a letter of permission by the ministry for the academic session 2019-20 is 28.02.2019.

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

Following the announcement of this one time opportunity, the majority of the states rushed at the opportunity to get additional PG degree seats. However, Goa Medical College with its 22 PG diploma seats had missed the bus allegedly due to the "lethargic approach" of the Dean Dr Naik.

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

When asked for clarification as to why an opportunity like this was wasted, the administration has stated that there was a fear of losing the seats on up gradation in case any deficiencies were observed later.

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

The Health Minister Vishwajit Rane was also approached by the parents of affected students; to take a look into the matter.

Read Also: Tamil Nadu gives 393 PG Diplomas seats to Health Ministry for conversion to PG Degrees

Taking consideration of the matter, an inquiry was initiated against Dr Naik. Consequently, the government had issued a show cause notice to him for not responding in time to the offer of the Union Health Ministry.

Shortly, Dr Naik submitted the application for upgradation of diploma seats.

After having failed to respond to the central government's offer to upgrade 26 seats, Dr Naik on February 20 wrote to the central government stating that the state was ready to accept the offer, reports Navhind Times.

"It needs to be seen if GMC's request will be granted," Rane told TOI.

Read Also: PG Diploma to Degree Conversion: Gujarat to get 150 PG Medical seats

Inquiry initiated

Now, according to a recent report by Herald, the outgoing Dean will face an inquiry into the "serious" lapse as directed by the State government on February 22.

"An inquiry has been ordered against Dr Pradeep Naik, Dean, Goa Medical College & Hospital, Bambolim due to his inaction/lapses in filing an application for conversion of diploma seats to PG seats in the GMC which is considered as a serious lapse by the Government. Dr Naik is hereby directed to report to the Public Health Department, Secretariat, Porvorim until further orders," the order signed by Under Secretary (Health) Trupti Manerkar stated.

Read Also; Union Health Ministry Approval: 22 PG Diploma seats converted to PG Degree at GMC Srinagar

"Dr Shivanand Bandekar, MS of GMC shall hold the charge of Dean, GMC and Director, Institute of Psychiatry & Human Behaviour in addition to his own duties until further orders," it added.

Read Also: Conversion of PG Diploma to Degree: MGM Medical College surrenders 49 seats

Meanwhile, on March 1, Health Minister Rane informed Navhind Times that Dr Bandekar, who is holding the charge as the GMC Dean at present, will be sent to Delhi to pursue the matter with the MCI.

"I have spoken to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda. There are Supreme Court guidelines and certain rules and regulation… we are trying to work out a solution…, " he had stated to the media.