Medical admission mess

THE Centre has provided the much-needed flexibility to students by holding various entrance tests, including NEET, twice a year from 2019. As per their convenience, the candidates can choose the date of the tests that will be spread over five days. However, a fair examination holds value only if every successful candidate gets equal opportunity of admission in a college. Take the case of the poor but deserving NEET-qualified candidates aspiring for seats in private medical colleges in Punjab this year. They are facing the hurdle of astronomical fees. And, sadly, their boat has been rocked by Punjab Minister for Medical Education and Research Brahm Mohindra. Keeping student welfare uppermost, the Punjab Government notification of February 6 had fixed the fees for the MBBS course in private colleges. It was Rs 13.42 lakh for the 50 per cent seats designated as government quota and Rs 40.29 lakh for the remaining management quota. But the minister has scrapped this fee cap and allowed the colleges to have a free rein. 

The colleges, citing autonomy, have challenged the notification in the Punjab and Haryana High Court and are, meanwhile, making hay by charging up to Rs 70 lakh for the course. The court hearing is slotted for July 10. It may not be wrong to conclude that a majority of the candidates affording these colleges would be from the other private shops: the expensive coaching institutes. Medical admission is the base on which the crucial issues plaguing the public health sector can be addressed. A fair access to colleges by all will go a long way in meeting the shortage of doctors. Those paying through their nose for a seat can be least expected to serve the last man in the remotest village. The government needs to consider whether such measures would ultimately strengthen the health infrastructure.

The Punjab Private Health Sciences Educational Institutions Act, 2006 debars health sciences education institutions from fixing their fees. Mohindra has reiterated the state's obligation towards students and promised a regulatory framework for admissions and the fee structure in private universities. He needs to make good on his assurance.