The All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) has strongly criticised the National Medical Commission (NMC) for its recent imposition of penalties on medical colleges in Karnataka, condemning the decision as unjust and neglecting critical issues facing government-run medical institutions.
In a recent development, the NMC issued notices penalising 24 medical colleges across Karnataka, including 13 government institutions, with fines ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. Chandrakala, district secretary of AIDSO, vehemently denounced this move, asserting that it fails to acknowledge the systemic challenges these colleges endure.
AIDSO contends that Karnataka's government medical colleges have long grappled with inadequate infrastructure and educational standards. Despite these issues being well-documented, the organisation argues, there has been a notable absence of concerted efforts to rectify them. Chandrakala criticised the state government's decision to prioritise revenue generation by introducing an NRI quota in government medical colleges instead of directing resources towards improving educational quality.
Calling for immediate action, AIDSO demands the withdrawal of the imposed penalties and urges the government to take decisive steps to enhance infrastructure and elevate educational standards across medical colleges in Karnataka. The organisation has announced plans to stage protests against the NMC's decision, intending to amplify the concerns of affected students and faculty members.
The controversy surrounding the NMC's penalties has catalyzed broader discussions on governance and accountability within medical education. AIDSO's stance underscores the urgency of addressing systemic deficiencies and ensuring equitable access to quality education across Karnataka's medical colleges.
As stakeholders await responses from both the NMC and the state government, the outcomes will bear implications for future regulatory frameworks and support mechanisms governing medical education institutions in Karnataka. The ongoing discourse highlights the pivotal role of student organisations like AIDSO in advocating for transparency, fairness, and educational excellence within the healthcare sector.