Health Bulletin 21/ April/ 2025 - Video

Amid the ongoing controversy on the double shift format for the National Eligibility-Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) examination, concerns are being raised on the segregation of the distribution of questions across various subjects in the exam.

A data in this regard was recently shared by a resident MD, Dr Jakir Khan, on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). As per the data, there exists a major variation in the number of questions from the Biochemistry, Pathology, Physiology and Anatomy programme in the last few years, and especially after the two-shift exam pattern was introduced last year.

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), Chandigarh, has raised serious concerns regarding the significant delay in reimbursements under the Himcare Health Scheme of the Himachal Pradesh government. According to official sources, PGIMER has submitted 1,478 claims amounting to nearly ₹143 crore, which remain pending with the state government.

This delay is particularly alarming as nearly 40% of PGI’s patient intake is from Himachal Pradesh.

The Madras High Court has directed the Government Villupuram Medical College to pay salary to a doctor for the period of work and consider completion of her bond service requirements. Apart from this, the HC bench comprising Justice N Mala has also asked the institute to issue an experience certificate to the doctor and pass a relieving order from the bond service within four weeks.

The petitioner completed her post-graduation (MS) at the Government Stanley Medical College. As a non-service doctor, the petitioner executed a bond obligating her to serve the Government for two years on completion of the postgraduation.

Despite the National Task Force on Mental Health and Well-being of Medical Students recommending a 10-day family vacation for MBBS and postgraduate medical students, till now no such provision is available at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), revealed a Right to Information (RTI) application.

Filing the RTI, the National President of the United Doctors' Front (UDF), Dr. Lakshya Mittal raised the issue of family vacation. He pointed out the recommendations made by the National Task Force stating that medical colleges could consider granting a ten-day vacation at least once a year to both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students on a rotational basis.