MP Medical Science University to Close? Junior Doctors Express Concern to Medical Education Minister

Bhopal: Amid the ongoing speculations suggesting that the State Government is considering shutting down or restructuring the Madhya Pradesh Medical Science University (MPMSU), the Junior Doctors in the State have raised their concerns in this regard to the State Medical Education Minister, Shri Rajendra Shukla.

Protesting against such a proposal to shut down MPMSU, the students under the Junior Doctor Association (JDA), Madhya Pradesh, pointed out how the formation of MPMSU has ensured equality, transparency, and quality in medical and para-medical education in the State.

The students have requested the Minister to reconsider the matter and immediately cancel the decision to close MPMSU to maintain the quality and integrity of medical education in the State.

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Recent media reports suggested that the State is planning to shift the power of granting degrees to regional universities, Edex Live has reported. This would mean that students who are currently studying at institutes like Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, will now receive their degrees from Barkatullah University, whereas Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College in Jabalpur would fall under Rani Durgavati University, among others. Therefore, MPMSU, which used to be the sole affiliating medical university in Madhya Pradesh, would no longer hold the Central role.

Junior Doctors Oppose Proposal: 

While clarity on these speculations is still awaited, JDA, Madhya Pradesh, has opposed the proposal itself and written to the Medical Education Minister in this regard. 

In its letter addressed to the Minister, the association pointed out how, since coming under MPMSU, examinations in all medical colleges are being conducted on time and results are also being declared within the stipulated time frame. They opined that this not only created discipline among students, but also curbed corruption and irregularities, which were previously common within regional universities.

Another issue that the association highlighted is that the medical colleges must implement the standards set by the Apex Medical Regulator, the National Medical Commission. The association pointed out that this responsibility lies with the university.

If MPMSU is abolished and medical colleges are linked to regional universities, it will not only lead to academic disparity but will also lead to huge disruption in internship, senior residency (SRship) and other trainings, opined the junior doctors.

They pointed out that the regional universities will not have the depth and understanding of the requirements of medical education, which will directly affect the quality of medical education. Therefore, ultimately, this decision will affect the future of not only MBBS students but also BPT, BSc Nursing, BMLT and other para-clinical students.

The association argued that if there are any administrative or human resource-related problems in the functioning of the university, the same can be removed by making special endeavours rather than closing down the university completely. For this, the doctors urged the Minister to make special efforts in this regard.

It highlighted that MPMSU has not only created effective arrangements for the University over the years, but it has also made new improvements in the interest of the students. Therefore, the closure of the university will be a huge and irreparable loss to the students, aspirants, and the medical system, opined the junior doctors.

Speaking to Medical Dialogues in this regard, Dr Kuldeep Gupta, President of the Junior Doctors Association, Madhya Pradesh, said, "MPMSU is the only medical university in Madhya Pradesh. The university conducts timely exams with uniformity and integrity, and fairly throughout the State in affiliated Medical colleges and ensures that the session starts timely and that the exam results are announced for academic training such as internship and Senior Residency."

"Paper leaks and unfair practices are very common instances in regional universities. Therefore, MPMSU needs reforms and adequate staff for smooth functioning, instead of being closed," he added.

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