GMC MS (Ortho) not recognised!

March 25th, 2008 | posted by Anjali

NAGPUR: In a major setback to the Government Medical

College and Hospital (GMCH), the Medical Council of India (MCI) has declined recognition to the post graduate course in

orthopaedics (MS orthopaedics). What is even more shocking is the fact that GMCH has been running the course for about four

decades now, albeit sans MCI recognition.

So, MS (orthopaedics) students of even 1966 batch - including some of

prominent orthopaedic surgeons of city - stand to lose chance of practising in the country following the MCI fiat. The MCI

has not just refused recognition to college running this course, but has directed it to stop admissions for MS (orthopaedics)

from 2008-09 academic year.

College sources say that the MCI has refused recognition to the course vide letter

received on Monday. Presently the degree has clearance from the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), Nashik

(earlier it was under the Nagpur University) and hence the post graduates in orthopaedics can practice only in Maharashtra.

They cannot carry out any research or present any research papers at national or international fora.

"Many

medical teachers in various medical colleges as well as those privately practising have been awaiting the MCI recognition as

it would have helped them as the recognition would have come with retrospective affect giving credibility to their degrees,"

said a senior faculty member (and a former GMCH student) at a private medical college in city.

When contacted,

GMCH dean Dr Vibhawari Dani claimed that she has not received the MCI letter. "I see no reason in MCI rejecting the

recognition as we had fulfilled all the requirements as per MCI norms. In the first inspection the recognition was denied for

want of a regular dean in the college last summer. But during the second MCI inspection about two-three months ago the

college did have a regular dean," she said.

Even, Dr Sajal Mitra, head, orthopaedics department, was unaware of

any such letter. "I cannot comment on the issue as I am not aware of any such letter till now," he said.

"It is

sheer apathy of the college for not trying to get the course recognised all these years. MCI recognition adds value to the

course as it allows them to rise in their academic careers," said a very senior orthopaedic surgeon, requesting

anonymity.

Source:

Vidarbha