PPP Model for Tura Medical College Opposed by Medical Students
Shillong: The Association of Meghalaya Medical Students at RIMS Imphal has opposed the proposal for a public-private partnership (PPP) model for the upcoming Tura Medical College.
Opposing the decision, the association has submitted a memorandum in this regard to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, seeking an immediate review of the proposal.
Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the Meghalaya Health Minister had announced that Tura Medical College would be operational from the next academic session.
Back in May this year, the Meghalaya Government invited an Expression of Interest for the appointment of a private sector entity for 'Operation and Management of Proposed Tura Medical College under Public-Private-Partnership Mode'.
However, the decision to introduce a PPP model for Tura Medical College was severely criticised by the opposition. India Today had reported that the leader of the opposition and former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. Mukul Sangma, had opposed the decision, stating that the State had not yet reached the stage where private participation in the health sector should be considered.
Dr. Sangma had asserted that the healthcare in Meghalaya must remain the Government's responsibility, particularly as central assistance was available for such infrastructure development.
Recently, opposing the decision, the Association of Meghalaya Medical Students at RIMS Imphal expressed concerns that the PPP model would compromise the quality and equity of medical education, favouring those with financial capacity over merit and domicile-based equity, Highland Post has reported.
The students pointed out that the model would reduce the state quota seats from 85 percent to 50 percent, resulting in the loss of over 1,000 seats for indigenous youth over three decades.
Further, the association also raised concerns about the implications of the PPP model on grievance, decision-making, and transparency, fearing that it would limit public oversight and accountability.
Therefore, the students appealed to the CM to revisit the policy and prioritize the interests of Meghalaya's students, ensuring that Tura Medical College remains a government-run institute.
Also Read: Tura Medical College Hospital under construction: Health Minister tells Parliament
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