PwDs still wait for clarity on eligibility for NEET

According to Dr Satendra Singh, the founder of Doctors with Disabilities: Agents of Change, he has been getting many panic calls from persons with disability (PwDs), including from the State, who are confused about their eligibility status.

The Medical Council of India (MCI) had stated that all 21 disabilities would be included under the eligibility criteria. However, last year, following the completion of the exam, it took a U-turn and framed a new set of guidelines stating that some of the disabilities cannot be included.

The MCI constituted a six-member committee to decide which all disabilities could be included. “Not a single member was an expert in the field. We had showed them the best practices followed abroad and the International guidelines as well. While it was also approved of by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, problems resurfaced when the older guidelines were taken up after a new group of doctors replaced the former team,” he said.

Accepting that not all disabilities can be included in medical education, Dr Satendra added: “The council members, who lack awareness on newer disabilities, should have consulted experts and doctors before taking a decision.”

Following demands, the MCI had promised to make amends to the guidelines within December 24. However, it is yet to keep this assurance.

However, Dr V K Paul, chairperson, MCI Board of Governors and Niti Aayogmember, claimed that the committee did have experts on disability. A report has already been submitted to the government, he added.