Grant Extra NEET Attempt, Age Relaxation for COVID-affected Medical Students: IMA Urges PM Modi
NEET Attempts for COVID Affected Students
New Delhi: Highlighting the unprecedented challenges that the medical students or aspirants faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) recently urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant them an additional attempt at entrance such as NEET-PG/UG and similar central level medical examinations.
Apart from this, the association has also urged the Prime Minister to provide such students with age relaxation and formulate policies that would recognize the contributions of COVID warriors among these aspirants, offering them additional support to continue their higher studies.
Indian Medical Association (IMA) has more than 4 lakh members across 29 State Branches and more than 1800 local branches. Highlighting the issue faced by medical students and aspirants due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the association recently wrote to PM Modi on Sunday.
"The pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to all sectors, particularly healthcare. During this critical period, numerous medical students, while upholding their duties as COVID warriors, faced immense hardships in balancing their academic pursuits. Many were unable to prepare adequately for their exams due to the overwhelming responsibilities and disruptions caused by the pandemic," it mentioned in the letter addressed to the Prime Minister.
Seeking relief for the medical aspirants and students affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, the association urged PM Modi to acknowledge the sacrifices of such medical students as well as the impact of the pandemic on their careers.
Accordingly, the association requested for the following from the Prime Minister:
1. Compensatory Measures: Grant a one-time additional attempt for entrance exams such as NEET-PG/UG and similar central-level medical examinations, along with corresponding age relaxation, ensuring fairness and equity.
2. Policy Support: Formulate policies that recognize the contributions of COVID warriors among these aspirants, offering them additional support to continue their journey in the medical profession.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has been an extraordinary event, and extraordinary measures are necessary to uphold the aspirations and morale of these individuals who have stood by the nation during its most challenging times. We remain confident in your leadership and your dedication to ensuring justice for all sections of society. This humble request aligns with the collective sentiment of Members of Parliament, the Honorable Supreme Court, and other stakeholders who have emphasized the need for such measures," the letter by IMA National President Dr. Dilip Bhanushali and Honorary General Secretary Dr. Sarbari Dutta further mentioned.
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