Punjab docs' body opposes move to allow students from Ukraine complete medical courses in state

Patiala, March 7: The Punjab State Medical and Dental Teachers' Association (PSMDTA) has decided to oppose any move of the Government of India or the National Medical Commission allowing medical students coming from war-affected Ukraine to complete their MBBS undergraduate courses in state-run medical colleges. In a joint press release, Dr DS Bhullar, state president, Dr Jaspreet Singh Kauldhar, state general secretary and Dr Darshanjit Singh Walia, state coordinator of the Punjab State Medical and Dental Teachers' Association (PSMDTA) said the association had full sympathy for the students who had to leave Ukraine without completing their medical courses. "It is moral and ethical duty of the Indian authorities to take care of the future of these students on humanitarian grounds, but not at the cost of the meritorious students pursuing their undergraduate courses in Punjab-run medical colleges," the association said. Also read | BREAKING: Russian military declares ceasefire in Ukraine | Day 12 LIVE Updates "The students and faculty of these government institutes cannot afford such large burden of students, which will not only adversely affect their own courses and teaching, but will also leave demoralising effect on them for the entry of such candidates who could not compete with them in NEET and had to opt for paid degrees abroad. This will in fact be a backdoor entry for completing MBBS courses from government medical colleges in Punjab," the association alleged. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine War: More than 15,900 Indian citizens brought back under Operation Ganga The association members further said government medical colleges in Punjab had no sitting space for their students as laboratories and lecture theatres meant for 150 students were being used to accommodate 230 students. "Government medical colleges and faculty in Punjab should not be bound to adjust and teach these medical students as these institutes are not getting any grant or monetary assistance from the Central Government," said the association. -PTC News