THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Appointing PG holders with a bright academic record has become a norm in several medical institutes across the country. But Kerala seemingly has taken a backward step, fixing MBBS as the basic qualification to become an entry level faculty member.
The move could also attract the ire of Medical Council of India (MCI) since the body does not consider MBBS holders qualified to become teachers. The MCI can even withdraw the recognition of such institutes. Ironically, there is a government order (2013) specifying only assistant professors who are PG holders can be the faculty in medical colleges.
But it has now invited application for the post of general surgery lecturer and MBBS has been stipulated as qualification. The doctors alleged the government was moving ahead with the proposal despite having enough PG doctors in the state.
Kerala Government Post Graduate Medical Teachers Association (KGPGMTA), Kerala Medical Post Graduates Association (KMPGA) and Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA) have come out against the move.
KMPGA president P Jathin said they have submitted a memorandum to the DME stating the present notification has come out when a large number of PG students have been waiting for appointment. “It is absurd the government is going for such appointments when MCI guidelines are against it,” he said.
KGPGMTA state president and faculty at the Thrissur Medical College Ajith Prasad J S said such moves would hamper medical education sector in the state. “There is a possibility of medical colleges in the state losing their recognition as MCI does not consider lecturers with MBBS as teaching faculty,” he said.
The govt view
MBBS has been stipulated as qualification to fill posts in community reservation. The first preference will always be for a PG doctor. MBBS doctors will only be considered in the absence of PG holders said Rajeev Sadanandan, Health Secretary