Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has firmly refuted allegations of communal bias against its Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), recently raised by Aligarh's Member of Parliament, Satish Gautam.
In a detailed response, AMU emphasised that JNMC is committed to providing equitable healthcare to all patients, irrespective of their religious or social background.
As per India Education Diary reports, Prof. Veena Maheshwari, Principal of JNMC, clarified that the college operates under various government healthcare schemes, including Janani Suraksha Yojana, Ayushman Bharat Health Account Yojana, and the National Health Mission. These programs ensure that all patients receive the same standard of care, thereby dismissing any claims of bias. Maheshwari stressed that JNMC’s practices are wholly aligned with government policies, reinforcing the institution’s dedication to serving the diverse population of Aligarh and beyond.
In addition to providing comprehensive healthcare services, JNMC has played a significant role in public health initiatives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The college enrolled 1,000 volunteers for the Covaxin trial and served as a Level-2 dedicated COVID hospital, contributing substantially to the national effort to combat the virus. These efforts highlight the college's commitment to the community's well-being, regardless of individual backgrounds.
The university also addressed concerns regarding staff appointments, stating that these are conducted through government-approved procedures, ensuring a diverse and representative workforce. This further counters the accusations of communal bias in its operations.
JNMC's reputation for excellence is reflected in its recent rankings. The college achieved the 28th position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and the 17th position in the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) for 2023. These accolades underscore JNMC’s status as a leading medical institution in India committed to academic excellence and inclusive healthcare.
AMU has reiterated that JNMC is dedicated to upholding its core values of inclusivity, equity, and excellence. The university assures that the medical college will continue to provide high-quality healthcare services to all individuals, regardless of their background, maintaining its commitment to fostering a community built on mutual respect and equal opportunity.