NEET PG Counselling Delay- Doctors Seek Health Minister's Intervention

New Delhi: Highlighting the concerns of the postgraduate medical aspirants regarding the delay in the commencement of the National Eligibility-and-Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2024 counselling, the United Doctors' Front Association (UDFA) recently wrote to the Union Health Minister J P Nadda, urging to intervene.

The association wrote to the Union Health Minister after the NEET PG aspirants wrote to UDFA and pointed out how the All India Quota NEET PG Counselling was delayed even though the exam was conducted on August 11 and the results were declared on August 23, 2024.

As per the aspirants, even though the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) started the registration process last month on 20th, there was no other information regarding the last date of registration, information brochure, seat matrix etc.

"Even after 45 days of result and nearly 15 days of registration of counselling there is no progress in the counseling process," the letter directed to the UDFA National President Dr Lakshya Mittal stated.

Also Read: MCC NEET PG 2024 Counselling Round 1 Registrations Begin, Apply now

Following this, the association wrote to the Union Health Minister highlighting the significant delay in the NEET PG 2024 counselling process, which according to the association has "raised widespread concerns among the aspirants and their families."

"The MCC website continues to display a message that the updates will be available soon, leaving aspirants in a state of prolonged uncertainty. After 45 days of the results and 15 days into the registration process, the lack of clarity and action is adding to the mental and financial stress of the students and their families. The undue delay in initiating the counselling is causing distress, and it jeopardizes the timely commencement of the academic session," UDFA stated in the letter, requesting the Health Minister to intervene and to expedite the NEET PG 2024 counselling process.

"the aspirants have worked diligently and deserve a streamlined process without further delays. Therefore, we urge you to instruct the concerned authorities, including the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), to provide immediate relief by releasing the necessary information and timelines for the counselling process," the letter further stated.

Commenting on the matter, the National President of UDFA told Medical Dialogues, "According to sources, the delay is reportedly due to the addition of new PG seats. While increasing seat capacity provides better opportunities for aspirants, we must also consider the negative implications of rapid expansion without proper oversight."

"We have been receiving frequent reports regarding the poor quality of newly established medical colleges. If the government is truly committed to enhancing medical education, it must focus on improving the quality of existing institutions before expanding further. Ensuring a strong foundation is critical to maintaining high standards in healthcare education. The push to meet the target of 75,000 new medical seats in five years, as outlined by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, should not come at the cost of quality. It is imperative that the government prioritize both quantity and quality to ensure that the healthcare workforce is competent and well-trained," he further added.

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