TN: JIPMER PG students still waiting for recognition of degrees

Tamil Nadu: JIPMER students holding degrees in super speciality courses are in a fix over MCI row. The council has not yet recognised the degrees of these students graduating from the institute.

Jipmer administration is reportedly in discussion with the health ministry for granting recognition of the course, however, since the matter is taking some time to resolve, there is an uncalled delay for students, missing opportunities in jobs. It is a ‘matter of simple office procedure’ which has been delayed, resulting in missed opportunities for students in jobs, fellowships or even setting up independent practice on the basis of their specialisation.

The ministry has to just pass a gazette notification and intimate the same to the MCI, post which the Jipmer courses will be included in the list of approved qualifications by the council.

In fact, this procedural delay has had many serious consequences, with the generation of alumni being denied opportunities earlier. The Jipmer degree for courses such as MCh or DM super speciality disciplines is not recognised by the MCI.

“While we are aware of this lacuna, and have been trying to resolve it, we have the Ministry’s assurance that no Jipmer student would lose out on an opportunity,” Dr. S. C. Parija, Jipmer Director told The Hindu.

“Given its pedigree as an institution of national importance, the Jipmer management may be unable to conceive of a situation where its degrees are not being recognised. But, it is also lame to blame any institution which declines sanction to a Jipmer graduate because the qualification is not on the MCI’s list of approved courses. ,” bemoaned an alumnus who requested anonymity.

Dr. S. Mahadevan, Dean, Jipmer in his statement implied that the institute’s problem is unique compared to other centres like AIIMS as until 2008 when it was declared a centre of national importance by an Act of Parliament, courses were governed by the MCI.