On Wednesday, the authorities of Idukki Government Medical College (GMC) gave an explanation at a virtual meeting held by National Medical Commission (NMC) in relation to the show cause notice issued to the college.
Failure to address these inadequacies would result in a fine being imposed and reduction of seats next academic year. The NMC had earlier issued a show cause notice to Idukki Medical College citing inadequate facilities and reduced number of MBBS seats for the next academic year. The notice also directed the authorities to attend a virtual meeting on Wednesday.
During this discussion, V.K. Devakumar, who is acting as the Principal-in-charge outlined how they have dealt with infrastructure issues raised by members of NMC expert panel. “The transfers and postings will be completed after general elections,” stated Dr. Devakumar.
“Some other issues such as remote location and low population were also cited before other members of panel. We expect that we are able to solve our problems too.” Additionally, according to Dr Devakumar, he made available complete facts about findings from these panels before this commission.”
There had been insufficient surgeries done at the institution according to NMC’s panel’s show cause notice besides no proper staff.
Again, within three days it asked why for 2024-2025academicyear MBBS course should not have its seats reduced or if it should not be levied fine money as per rules.
Nevertheless, second-year MBBS students of the college organized an indefinite protest against lack of laboratory facilities and basic amenities outside casualty block. As a sign of protest, these students covered their mouths with black cloth. This is now the fourth protest that has been conducted so far demanding that there be basic amenities at this college—according to student leaders; however, during previous protests management promised labs would be available just before April but they didn’t do it; hence protest will continue until lab facilities are provided, said student leaders.
“During the NMC inspection period, authorities had temporarily arranged college faculty but later they were transferred to other medical colleges. The second year MBBS classes will begin in February and end in October. Nonetheless, our students have never seen a lab,” commented one of them.
