New Delhi, September 17
The government has decided to offer extra weightage in postgraduate entrance exams to those MBBS students who go for rural postings. The Health Ministry, in consultation with the Medical Council of India, has agreed to give 10 to 30 per cent weightage in PG entrance to medical graduates depending on the years of service they offer in villages.
“Any MBBS student spending one year in a village will get 10 per cent weightage in PG entrance; those who stay for two years will get 20 per cent marks; those who stay beyond will get 30 per cent weightage,” Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said today.
The government had earlier announced double salaries for doctors serving rural postings. Health Secretary Naresh Dayal today told The Tribune that 22 states had sent proposals to set up primary healthcare facilities in remote, inaccessible and hilly areas. “Once we finalise the locations of centres, medical graduates agreeing to serve in these locations will get the double incentives.”
In another significant move, the government and MCI have not just relaxed land norms for medical colleges - from 25 acres to 20 acres - they have also agreed to change the medical teacher-pupil ratio from 1: 1 to 1:2. The move, to come into force from next year, will produce 5,000 more medical specialists annually. Right now, India produces 13,000 medical specialists every year. After the new instruction is enforced, the number will go up to 18,000, claims the government.
