PwD candidate loses MBBS seat as GMCH 32 Chandigarh issues 2 Medical Certificates, probe ordered

As per a recent media report by The Tribune, the applicant took the NEET exam in 2021, and was first found ineligible by the board, but was later confirmed eligible after undergoing a second test with improved equipment. However, the GMCH-32 admissions committee refused him admission because the MBBS course counselling was already done by the time of the second decision. The applicant is physically challenged and has a 40% eyesight impairment. The committee denied him admission while stating "no seat left and cannot be considered at this belated stage".

In the order, Yashpal Garg, UT Health Secretary, stated, "An inquiry to be conducted by the Medical Superintendent in the matter about the issuance of two medical certificates by the same Medical Board with a diametrically opposite opinion about eligibility under PwD category for admission to the MBBS course in GMCH-32. The inquiry report should also suggest corrective measures to avoid occurrences of such instances in future."

" Since the Medical Board is the active party in the creation of the whole mess by the issuance of the erroneous Medical Certificate, the Secretary (Health, Medical Education & Research) is duty-bound to issue directions for best possible corrective measures, especially when the issue is concerning a Divyang," read the order issued by Garg.

He further added that the present processes for issuing such medical certifications needed to be expedited, including the acquisition of necessary modern technology, to guarantee that a similar situation would not arise again in the future.

Garg directed that the matter be taken up with the National Medical Council with a request to authorize the introduction of one supernumerary seat in the MBBS programme under the PwD category in the UT pool for the academic session 2021-22, adsd Tribune.