THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State is unlikely to get the first MBBS batch at the Government Medical College, Paripally with the government failing to rectify the anomalies pointed out by the Medical Council of India (MCI). However, it is said there was still a chance for the government now as the MCI has asked the Health Secretary to appear in person on Friday to give an undertaking.
Despite the MCI giving several opportunities to rectify the anomalies, it is alleged the government had not taken any step in this regard. Though the government claims to have created some posts at the medical college taken over from the ESIC, sources said the anomalies pointed out by the MCI remain.
It has been alleged the health secretary failed to appear before the MCI during an earlier meeting. If the secretary had filed an undertaking in the meeting, then the chances were more. The MCI generally gives permission for seats in government medical colleges once the government properly files an affidavit, sources said.
However, the government is blamed to have not taken any initiative in this regard. And now, if the secretary gives an undertaking to the MCI in the coming meeting, there is a good chance for getting the seats, the sources said.
When the MCI had earlier reconsidered the application of the college, the government had failed to submit the compliance report and also the Rs 1-lakh fees for re-inspection. As such, the inspection did not happen and the MCI rejected the proposal for the seats.
Kollam MP N K Premachandran, who has been keen to make the college a reality from the very beginning, said, “The first batch of MBBS could be started at the college if the government gives an undertaking. If the government has a will, then the Centre would give permission.”
He alleged it was the irresponsibility of the government that led to the worsening of the situation. “Though the MCI had given several chances, the government failed to rectify the anomalies and even pay the fees for re-inspection,” he said.
The officers in the Health Department and the Medical Education Department along with those in the ESI Corporation are alleged to be delaying the whole process.