Karnataka Appeals to NMC for Increased UG Medical Seats as NEET Aspirants Rise
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Karnataka government has raised concerns about the increasing gap between NEET aspirants and medical seats, urging the NMC to enhance undergraduate medical seats. With over 5 lakh students competing annually and only 1 lakh seats available, immediate action is sought to address this pressing issue.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka requests NMC to boost medical seats.
- Over 5 lakh students appear for NEET annually.
- Only 1 lakh medical seats are available.
- Proposal for 800 UG and 600 PG seats submitted.
- Plans for a medical college in every district.
Bengaluru, April 23 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has voiced its concern regarding the growing disparity between the number of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) aspirants and the limited medical seats available. On Wednesday, they called upon the National Medical Commission (NMC) to take action and substantially increase the number of undergraduate medical seats nationwide.
During the graduation ceremony for the 2019 batch at Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College and Research Institute (SABVMC), the Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Sharan Prakash Patil, remarked that over 5 lakh students sit for the NEET examination annually, yet there are only about 1 lakh medical seats accessible.
“This discrepancy requires urgent attention. The physicians we train here are essential not only for our nation but also for the global community,” he stated, underlining the rigorous education and growing demand for Indian medical professionals across the world.
“There exists a significant mismatch between demand and supply. The NMC must take action,” he urged, addressing NMC chairperson Dr. B.N. Gangadhar, who was present at the ceremony.
A formal request has already been submitted to the NMC for the approval of an additional 800 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate medical seats in Karnataka for the upcoming academic year.
The minister reaffirmed the state's dedication to enhancing healthcare infrastructure, stating the government’s ambition to establish a medical college in each district.
“Every one of these colleges will be paired with a hospital, and we intend to create cancer care units, trauma centers, and super-specialty hospitals in each district,” he noted.
“The chief minister has sanctioned this initiative. In the near future, districts lacking medical colleges will have fully equipped institutions, enabling deserving students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to study medicine at no cost,” the minister mentioned.
NMC chairperson Dr. Gangadhar, during his speech, pointed out the global shortage of nearly 3 crore doctors and encouraged young people to pursue careers in medicine. “Indian doctors are highly sought after globally, credited to their solid academic background and proficiency in English. One of NMC’s primary objectives is to cultivate globally recognized medical professionals,” he said.
Also in attendance were Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad, Principal Secretary of Medical Education Mohammed Mohsin, Director of Medical Education Dr. B.L. Sujatha Rathod, and SABVMC director Dr. Manoj Kumar H.V.
