3 MCI rejections on DM Haematology course- SCB Medical College gets government notice

Bhubaneswar: Faced with an MCI rejection thrice for starting a post doctoral course in 'Doctor of Medicine- Haematology' in the absence of qualified faculty, the SCB Medical College has caught government eye. The authorities are now seeking a report from the hospital administration on reasons behind the apex body’s rejection.

The college came under the MCI scanner when it first applied for the opening of a super speciality course in Haematology in 2013-14. In a reply to the request, the educational body informed the college that a super-speciality course in Haematology could only be started, if the professors fell in the ineligible criteria. The eligibility being - a DM in Clinical Haematology or two years of special training in clinical haematology after MD in medicine/pathology or paediatric.

In an August 1 letter, the Additional Secretary, Health, Goswami Golam Debata, wrote to the college saying that a report was being sought keeping in view MCI’s observations.

"The MCI has said the teachers were not competent to teach postdoctoral course in doctor of medicine (DM) in Haematology," Debata said.

The issue was first highlighted by the MCI when the government-run college applied to open the super-speciality course in Haematology in 2013-14.

The MCI pointed out that to be eligible to teach DM in Haematology, a medical teacher should have completed DM in Clinical Haematology or should have two years of special training in Clinical Haematology after MD in Medicine/Pathology or Paediatrics.

Further,the educational body pointed out at a discrepancy existing in the training certificate issued by the College Dean. The MCI also mentioned that the appointed professor-Clinical Haematology did not possess a training in Clinical Haematology; an essential requirement, according to the government’s 1998 order. According to the MCI in the absence of training in Clinical Haematology, the faculty certificate stood invalid for the position. The body also declared null and void certificates given by the college to two other faculty members, as the head himself did not fulfil qualification criterion, every time the college sought permission to initiate the course.

College Principal Sidharth Das however, stated that the MCI was only concerned about the training not following statutory norms for starting DM Haematology; not once had it mentioned that none of the faculty held a degree in DM- Haematology. He though went onto add, "It doesn't in no way reflect their competence to treat Haematology patients."

The principal revealed that the college had recently appointed a DM- Haematology,which would help the college meet MCI norms to start the course soon.