Srinagar: Red tape and inefficiency on the part of the officials has ensured that the PG seats have failed to witness an increase in the SKIMS Medical College, Bemina.

Pertinently, the Medical Council of India (MCI) has granted the approval for the increase in the number of seats for the College, however, the officials have, so far been sluggish in pursuing the case and get it finalised from the Central government.

Given the slothful nature, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Sunday had to personally intervene into the matter, wherein she had to write a letter to the Union Minister JP Nadda and had to request him to expedite the process of increase in the number of PG seats.

“The attitude of officials, has so far been slow in cashing such opportunities where in the intake capacity of a Medical Colleges in the state would have increased considerably and helped to minimizing the shortage of doctors,” an official said.

The increase in PG seats has been a long pending demand of the students and medico bodies in the state.

“But the opportunity is not being cashed in as the MCI approval is yet to turn into a reality as the state government has failed on the issue,” added the official.

Importantly, the Chief Minister has now requested the Union Health Minister J P Nadda to expedite the process approved by the Medical Council so that the decision is materializes as soon as possible for the benefit of the students.

“I would like to draw your kind attention to my earlier letter dated 17-02-2018, seeking your intervention in having the approval to the proposal of SKIMS Medical College, Bemina Srinagar regarding the enhancement of PG seats up to the academic year 2018-19, accorded by the Medical Council of India (MCI),” the letter written by the Chief Minister reads.

“The task which was meant to be pursued by the officials, is being taken up by the Chief Minister, which depicts that somehow, the higher-ups were not able to keep tab on things,” the official said, adding “if there was not constant pressure on the government, the CM too would not have pursued the issues.”

“Since the increase in the number of PG seats is linked with the career of a number of medical students, I reiterate my request for expediting the accord of approval by the MCI,” the letter reads, adding “I would be grateful for any early action in the matter.”

Meanwhile, medico body, Doctors Association of Kashmir (DAK) has welcomed the timely intervention of CM in this regard, saying that the increase in PG seats is the need of the hour.

 “There is a dire need of such initiatives, given the fact that the state is struggling with the shortage of doctors, in order to cater to the enormous needs,” said President, DAK Dr Suhail Naik, adding “we welcome CM’s intervention in this regard.”

DAK demanded the up gradation District Hospitals to Medical Colleges so that the need of having ample medicos is addresses.

“By doing so, there will be ample medicos who will come out, and subsequently, the shortage will be taken care of,” he suggested.

Guest