DASE objects MCI decision to corporatise medical colleges

Saying that the move would result in commercialisation of medical education in the country, the association’s stand has found support from the Tamil Nadu Medical Council. Slamming the decision that was announced recently, Dr GR Ravindranath, general secretary, Doctors’ Association for Social Equality (DASE), said that the move would prove disastrous. 

“If corporate begin medical colleges, the focus will shift to commercialisation. The government seems to be more concerned about the number of colleges, but they are ignoring the impact it will have on the medical services available for poor people,” he said. 

At the moment, the medical colleges in the country are being run by not for profit trusts  along with the government. Dr Ravindranath said that the MCI’s stand that the move will help increase quality of universities is unacceptable. “Everyone is aware that the quality of medical education in government-run institutions is better than that of private institutions. Students here receive hands on training, while those in private colleges merely watch procedures without obtaining practical know-how. With corporatisation of medical education, the quality will definitely suffer more,” he added. The latest decision by the MCI has come two months after Niti Ayog committee recommended privatisation of medical colleges. A source from the Tamil Nadu Medical Council backed the opposition and expressed concerns. “This move and its results will only benefit the medical service set ups in the metros. What about those in tier 2 and tier three cities,” the source asked. 

DASE will stage a human chain objecting to the proposal on Sunday at the Madras Medical College.