Incomplete Application Process Postpones NMC Recognition for Almora Medical College

However, it is the news of why the college was denied the recognition that is doing rounds on social media.

The third government medical college of the State, Soba n Singh Jeena Government Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (Almora Medical College), even though deposited the fees, they couldn't complete the application process. Unaware, the college authorities prepared and waited for months for the college to be recognized. Only after the last date for NMC inspection was over, the college realized that the name of the college was not on NMC's list, adds Amar Ujala.

Almora Medical College is situated is spread over 25 acres (9.90 hectares) of land known as Moth-free Estate, Pandey khola, near Vikas Bhawan, Almora. The associated teaching hospital of the institute is the pre-existing 200 bedded "Govardhan Tiwari Government Base Hospital Almora".

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that 11 doctors including two professors, five associate professors, and four assistant professors were transferred to Almora Medical College this year, keeping in mind the pending NMC recognition.

Also Read: 11 doctors deployed at Almora Medical College, health services to boost

As per the latest media report by Amar Ujala, even though the plan to begin operation of the college was in the year 2017, gradually the date was postponed. This year, after the last date of NMC inspection i.e. November 15 was over, the college got to know that the application process was not complete.

Keeping in mind the students, who were waiting for the college's approval, the Government employed several faculty members including the principal. Even though the process started, and the college authorities deposited the fees, the submission of the incomplete application form got stuck. Nobody paid attention to the fact that the application process couldn't be completed.

Following this, the officials waited eagerly for the NMC team to visit and it was only when the deadline for NMC inspection was over, that the college authorities came to their senses. After an officer was sent to NMC to enquire about the matter, the officials came to know that the application was not done and the name of the college was not even in the list for NMC.

The daily further mentions that the college has started efforts to make up for this huge loss. The situation is so complicated right now that it all depends upon the government now. If the Union Health Minister intervenes, only then the college will get the recognition for 100 MBBS seats this year.

Speaking to Amar Ujala regarding the matter, the Secretary of Medical Education, Dr. Pankaj Pandey said, "We deposited the fees for inspection and recognition of the medical college. After that we applied. We were satisfied but later came to know that the application did not go through due to technical issues. Now the matter is going on at the level of the government. Hopefully a decision will be taken soon."

Meanwhile, frustrated over this delay, the youths of the State have started a campaign on Twitter requesting both the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister to intervene.

"Please open "ALMORA MEDICAL COLLEGE" if you want development in Uttarakhand. Why are you all ignoring such important thing for students. Please take some actions," wrote a user.

Another user demanded action for the officers at fault and wrote, "We want justice!! We want strict action against responsible officers!! What is the fault of 1600 students!! !!Wake up!!"

Now, after the Government's interference, if the medical college ultimately gets a nod from NMC for 100 MBBS seats, then it will be highly beneficial for the aspirants of medical education in the state. Among these 100 MBBS seats, 15 percent will be filled through All India Quota, and in the 85 percent of the seats, the youths of the state will get a chance for admission.