VIMSAR Seat Hike Uncertain as MCI Team Visit Ends

SAMBALPUR:  Uncertainty looms large over the possibility of seat hike from the existing 150 to 250 in Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) for the next academic session. Unhappy over several shortcomings, the four-member team from Medical Council of India (MCI) completed its two-day visit to the institution on Wednesday.

While the team could inspect the hospital of VIMSAR, they failed to carry out inspection of college on Tuesday due to the ongoing agitation by the medicos. The students held a discussion with the MCI delegation and apprised them of large scale vacancies in faculty as well as doctor posts at VIMSAR, besides lack of infrastructure.

The medicos are opposing the Orissa High Court’s order to accommodate around 85 students of first year and 24 of second year MBBS course of Sardar Rajas Medical College and Hospital, Kalahandi, in Government-run institutions in the State.

While VIMSAR authorities are silent on the entire issue, sources said not all is well with the ailing institution  and the MCI report could go against seat hike demand. The team could not undertake head count of doctors present in the hospital, which continues to haunt VIMSAR.

During their last visit in January this year, the MCI officials had pointed out 28 shortcomings, includingdearth of doctors and medical equipment. The team was here to ascertain whether the shortcomings were overcome or not. Sources said none of the shortcomings have been overcome by the State Government.

Based on the report by MCI team, a decision to hike MBBS seat capacity by another 100 seats from the existing 150 from 2016-17 academic session would be taken.

On the other hand, VIMSAR students are continuing their dharna since November 21 on the campus. The High Court had on Wednesday directed the medical colleges to accommodate the students of Sardar Rajas by December 23.

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The New Indian Express
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