Kerala: Sanction of MBBS seats at GMC Paripally unlikely

Thiruvanathapuram: Kerala is unlikely to get the first MBBS batch at the Government Medical College, Paripally in the absence of rectifications suggested by the Medical Council of India(MCI). However, the state still has a chance, with the Council asking the Health Secretary to appear and give an undertaking on Friday.

It is alleged that despite the education regulator giving several opportunities to the government to overcome the observed shortcomings, the latter has made no moves to correct itself. The governments claims of having created posts at the ESIC hospital now converted to medical college after being taken over by the government, however, sources contradict saying that the drawbacks continue to remain.

It is being said that if the Health Secretary had made an appearance in front of the MCI during the earlier meeting and filed an undertaking, then there would have been greater chances of the Ist MBBS batch classes commencing during the forthcoming session at the college.

According to sources, the council generally agrees to seat additions in government institutions, provided the government files proper documentation in the form of affidavits. It is believed that even if the secretary came up with an undertaking to the MCI in the forth coming meeting, there is a possibility of MCI giving a nod to new seat introduction to the 1st batch of the college.

The earlier reconsideration of application for seats by the Council was turned down in the absence of the compliance report and the submission of Rs. 1 lakh fee for re-inspection. The result was the inspection did not happen and the MCI rejected the proposal for the seats.

Kollam MP N K Premachandran, who was keen to make the college happen said, “The first batch of MBBS could be started at the college, if the government gives an undertaking. If the government has a will, then the Centre would give permission.”

He alleged it was the lack of interest on the part of the government that led to the worsening of the situation. “Though the MCI had given several chances, the government failed to rectify the anomalies and even pay the fees for re-inspection,” he told the Indian Express.

It is alleged that the officers in the Health Department and the Medical Education Department along with those in the ESI Corporation are causing the delay.