Is the Gujarat Government's MKKN Scheme a Game Changer for Aspiring Women Medical Professionals?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- MKKN scheme empowers female medical students.
- Financial assistance covers hefty medical fees.
- Launched in 2017-18, it enhances female enrollment in medical colleges.
- Addressing income barriers for aspiring doctors.
- Significant financial support contributes to state healthcare.
Ahmedabad, Dec 2 (NationPress) The Gujarat government’s 'Mukyamantri Kanya Kelavani Nidhi Yojana' (MKKN) has emerged as a transformative initiative for numerous female students, empowering them to chase their ambition of becoming medical professionals and enhancing the state’s healthcare by qualifying as skilled doctors.
Many medical scholars are currently pursuing their education at Dr. MK Shah Medical College and Research Centre in Ahmedabad as part of this program.
Initiated under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the MKKN scheme addresses the financial barriers faced by aspiring female medical students, ensuring that their educational pursuits are not hindered due to insufficient funds.
This scheme provides essential financial support to cover the substantial fees associated with medical college.
Several students have shared their experiences with IANS.
Rashi, a medical student from Ankleshwar, shared, "My family struggled to meet the medical fees. Thanks to the government’s initiative, we received assistance under the 'Chief Minister Kanya Kelavani Nidhi Yojana' to manage these expenses."
Manali, from Aravalli, expressed, "I aspired to study MBBS, but our financial situation was challenging. The 'Chief Minister Kanya Kelavani Nidhi Yojana' was a lifeline for me."
Dr. MM Prabhakar, Dean of MKS Medical College, noted that the MKKN scheme has been pivotal in supporting female students and decreasing dropout rates.
"Numerous girls at our college are benefiting from this initiative," she stated.
Importantly, the scheme offers financial assistance to daughters from families with an annual income below Rs 6 lakh, providing up to Rs 4 lakh for medical college admission post-NEET examination.
Since its launch in 2017-18, the MKKN scheme has significantly boosted the enrollment of girls in medical colleges across the state.
In the 2024-25 academic year, the Gujarat government allocated Rs 162.69 crore to support 5,155 female students in their MBBS studies. To date, the total assistance amounts to Rs 798.11 crore for 26,972 female students aspiring to become doctors.