Various councils that regulate the health sciences courses in the country have given their nod for holding examinations of various health sciences courses. They issued advisories also for the same. After the spread of the news report that the examinations would be conducted, several students especially Post Graduate ones came forward demanding cancellation of those. According to them, they do not have time to prepare for the examinations. Taking serious cognizance of the issue, the policy makers in Maharashtra have decided to grant 45 days time to the students to prepare for the examinations.

 

On Wednesday the apex bodies like Medical Council of India (MCI), Dental Council of India (DCI), Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), etc., have issued advisories regarding holding health sciences courses’ examinations. According to Resident Doctors, who are appearing for Post Graduate (PG) examinations, they are constantly doing duties in the Covid-19 wards and hardly got any rest should and hence should not be forced to appear in examination. Former Central MARD President, now a noted Psychiatrist Dr Sagar Mundhada talked with ‘The Hitavada’ “The Residents are contributing a lot in the treatment of Covid-19 patients in various Government hospitals. I firmly believe, this year the doctors should be promoted without forcing them to appear in examination in appreciation of the outstanding work they performed in the hospitals.

 

On one hand Government cancels the examinations conducted by traditional universities on the other it applies different policy for medical examinations.” While talking to ‘The Hitavada’ Padmashri Dr Tatyarao Lahane informed, “With apex bodies like MCI, DCI, CCIM and others asked us to conduct examinations we have to abide by them. Secondly, we are giving them a complete time of 45 days to prepare which is enough. They have been in the study of medical education for the last three years and it is expected they must have prepared from the examination point of view.” Dr Dileep Mhaisekar, Vice-Chancellor of MUHS made it clear that the decision of holding examinations could not be cancelled.

 

He said, “The apex bodies have issued the guidelines taking due care of the situation arose in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. For example, if a student of Nair Hospital, Mumbai is stuck at Nagpur due to lockdown, he or she is not expected to come to Mumbai. The student can choose any nearest prescribed examination centre and write the paper.” According to experts, examinations are to be conducted as it has its own impact as far as evaluation in larger perspective is concerned. Dr Vedprakash Mishra, ex-Chairman of Academic Committee of MCI pointed out, “We at Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (deemed to be university) have decided to conduct the examinations and we have drafted time table accordingly. Holding examinations is very important as it has its own importance when his or her career is taken into account.”

 

 

Chancellor Koshyari approves plans of Health Sciences courses exams Meanwhile, Amit Deshmukh, Maharashtra’s Medical Education Minister met Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chancellor of the universities in State and submitted the detailed plans for holding examinations in State. Governor has approved the plans for holding all under-graduate and post-graduate examinations conducted by Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). Governor appreciated the detailed plan of conducting the medical examinations presented to him by Amit Deshmukh. Summer examinations would be conducted as per three alternative plans, depending on the situation, from July 15 onwards. As per first plan, theory examinations will be held between July 15 and August 15 in a staggered manner if the situation is conducive. If first plan gets failed, second plan would begin on August 16. Examinations will end on September 15. If second plan too failed to work, Deshmukh has kept a third plan ready. University will take guidance from Central Medical Council regarding the conduct of examinations such as online examinations. Minister Deshmukh has discussed the issue with all the stakeholders and regulatory authorities and then drafted plans. He had held consultations with the Indian Nursing Council, the Medical Council of India and other central bodies before preparing the examination plans.