SAIMS MBBS admissions to remain at 100 as against 150 promised

Indore: Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS), has been disallowed more than a 100 admissions, as against the earlier increase leading to a total of 150. This denial comes in the face of existing deficiencies, which make the college incapable of matching needs of the sanctioned 100 too, for the year 2018-19. The 50 seat increase to the college had been granted for the 2016-17 session.

A Ministry order dated August 31, 2017, citing shortcomings, debarred the institute from admitting students against the increased intake from a 100 to 150 for 2017-18 and 2018-19.

The institute had challenged this order by the Ministry in the Supreme Court, which on September 18, 2017, stated, “Medical Council of India (MCI) shall carry out inspection within three months (at the college) and if it notices any deficiency, it shall bring it to the notice of the petitioner-institution and grant it some time to rectify the same. After the recommendation is sent by MCI, the central government shall take a decision.”

The court had also stated that the petitioner institution should be provided with an adequate opportunity of hearing so that it can put forth its case before any adverse decision is taken. An MCI team inspection of the college took place on December 18-19, 2017, which highlighted 15 deficiencies, reported the FPJ

An MCI report to the Ministry, dated May 28 said that since the college was not even fulfilling the MCI norms for a 100 seats, it would be inadvisable to allow it to admit students against the increased intake of 150 for 2018-19. Nevertheless, the college was given the opportunity to be heard on May 29. The Hearing Committee came to a decision that in line with the MCI advise, it would be right to allow only a 100 admissions for the moment, keeping in mind the institute’s admission preparedness.

In an order passed by Under Secretary, Government of India, DVK Rao, it was stated that the central government, keeping the MCI recommendation in mind had decided “not to renew the permission for admission of fresh batch of students against increased intake, that is, 100-150 MBBS students at SAIMS for the academic session 2018-19.”

However, the government at the same time allowed the college to submit a fresh application for the next academic year, as per provisions of IMC Act, 1956.

A SAIMS officer wishing to stay anonymous said that the government’s order of not granting renewal of recognition had been challenged at the Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh, High Court.