Warns slashing MBBS seats, penalty
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, May 2: The National Medical Council (NMC) has threatened slashing of MBBS quota for Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Medical College Srinagar after the authorities “failed to address” the deficiencies despite so many show cause notices.
A Show Cause Notice signed by the Director Under Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of NMC, Shambhu Sharan Kumar dated 29/04/2024, a copy which lies with this office, clearly shows inefficiency on part of the SKIMS administration, both the Director and the Dean as no action has been taken despite so many notices and warnings.
The Show Cause Notice said that on March 8 this year through Public Notice AII Medical Colleges/Institutes having valid Letter of Permission (LoP) for MBBS admission were directed to fill the details/data of respective institutions on NMC Portal for annual declaration by Medical Colleges under NMC as required in the NMC Act, 2019 and various regulations issued by NMC from time to time and on February 6 this year again through public notice they were directed to furnish the video recording of the forthcoming annual examination for every phase of MBBS (1st MBBS, 2nd MBBS, 3rd MBBS, and 3rd Final) to be conducted by respective Colleges/ Institutions/ Deemed Universities along with completed Standard Assessment Form C, NMC mentioned in its Show Cause Notice of April 29.
The NMC in the latest notice further mentioned that the College authorities were intimated about the deficiencies found in Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System through Show Cause Notices issued from time to time. It was further conveyed that the issue has been viewed seriously by the competent authority which was mentioned in the copy of show cause notice dated 30-01-2024.
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The Show Cause Notice pointed out that since the experts nominated for evaluating the Annual Declaration Form, Video Recording of Examination and AEBAS report have also observed the deficiencies in Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Medical College Srinagar.
It said none of registered persons are marking attendance in Faculty while the number of beds is inadequate, the Cytopathology is 1 o/o less of total OPD while the Culture Sensitivity is Zero.
The Show Cause Notice further mentioned that the Serologry is 5% less of total OPD. The number of total minor surgeries is inadequate, the Department wise details of major and minor surgeries have not been provided, total number of families adopted is inadequate, details of Cadavers not provided and only three department’s examinations video have been provided.
The Show Cause Notice while taking serious exception to mal functioning of the College said where as mandated under proviso of Maintenance of Standard of Medical Education Regulation 2023 Chapter III-Clause 8 under the heading Penalties a monetary penalty not exceeding INR one Crore per violation or act of omission by the Medical Institution and various other stringent action is stipulated under this chapter in the regulation.
The NMC has also warned the Soura Medical College that for explaining the details of the discrepancies raised by the experts, the College is given an additional and final opportunity to place the version of explanation on each point raised by the experts through virtual hearing before the Committee. In case the opportunity provided is not availed , it will be presumed that the College does not have any clarification to furnish and no further opportunity will be given and decisions as deemed fit will be taken by the Committee, the NMC further warned.
The NMC also asked the College authorities to explain the reasons within three days after issuance of the Show Cause Notice as to why seats for MBBS should not be reduced for the year 2024-2025 or a monetary penalty as per regulations be imposed.
The Committee has given final opportunity through virtual explanation on May 1 as to why a penalty not exceeding one crore or seat reduction should be taken as the authorities in the college have never bother to record the attendance of Faculty besides many other deficiencies pointed out from time to time by the NMC .
However, when contacted , Principal of the SKIMS Medical College, Dr Irfan Rabani said the Show Cause Notice was sent to many Medical Colleges across the country. He said one to one virtual meeting was held yesterday with NMC authorities and point to point information was provided and it is hoped that everything will be settled soon.
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