MCI bats for common national medical entrance test

Despite the Supreme Court rejecting the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) in 2013, the Medical Council of India (MCI) is making a renewed effort to bring back the plan for a common national medical entrance test.

The MCI has asked the Central government to review the matter. “To enforce uniformity in admissions and prevent malpractices, a common entrance examination (NEET) has been suggested. The MCI has passed it and sent it to the Government of India. The final decision of the government is awaited. The system will ensure reservation of seats as per norms and the syllabus will be common throughout the country,” said MCI president Dr Jayashree P Mehta.

The Council has also filed a review petition on the matter. Mehta was addressing the 18th annual convocation of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) here on Tuesday.

Speaking with Deccan Herald, RGUHS vice chancellor Dr K S Ravindranath said the MCI would amend its rules to be able to conduct the NEET.

Revise, revamp, upgrade
Mehta said the MCI was making efforts to revise, revamp and upgrade the existing 1997 regulations in Graduate Medical Education by incorporating many changes.

These include a two-month foundation course during which students would be oriented to the national health scenario, medical ethics and professional development and communication skills. The MCI also wants early clinical exposure of students from the first year onwards which would be integrated with basic laboratory sciences.

‘People losing trust’
Mehta warned doctors that society was fast losing its confidence in medical professionals due to the unethical actions of a few. “A large number of doctors today prescribe medicines just after the discourse given to them by representatives of drug companies. Kickbacks for referring patients for investigations and treatments are being talked about in the City. This has seriously affected the reputation of the profession,” she said.