MBBS seats in Cochin Medical College (CMC) were allotted by the state government at the state-level counselling and not by the College authorities, said CMC Medical Director Dr Junaid Rahman.
At a press conference at the hospital on Wednesday he said candidates had the freedom to include CMC in their list of option. “This is the practice followed every year. We are not aware of the reason for the present controversy. The college authorities can allot seats in NRI quota only,’’ he said. There were reports that admission to MBBS seats at CMC was made challenging the list of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)
“A committee has been formed to look into the staff pattern. The dearth of staff in various departments will be addressed once the committee submits its report,” he said. The nursing college will start functioning this year. “The development work of the college and related facilities is nearing completion. The construction of the hostel will be completed in August. The Cooperative Academy for Professional Education has allotted `15 lakh for procuring books for library and `12 lakh for furniture,” he said.
“The increase in the number of patients stands testimony to the dedicated service offered,” he said. The medical college has plans to set up a cancer centre in association with public sector undertakings such a Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL). “The CSL authorities have offered to extend their help. They have also promised to hold talks with other PSUs to raise funds for the projects. A burn unit supported by the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd will also be opened soon,” he said. As part of the efforts to improve standards of medical education and expansion plan 60 doctors and 30 nurses have been been appointed. With two new neuro surgeons being appointed, the hospital will have a round-the-clock neuro surgery facility. A meeting chaired by Union Minister K V Thomas will be held on June 3 at Ernakulam Collectorate to discuss the development projects.