Sunday, July 13, 2003		Ulta-pulta

"HELLO! Myself Dr Mishra MBBS with 27 lakh". "Glad to meet you-I’m Dr Bansal MBBS with 32 lakh!" When doctors start proudly introducing themselves in this manner, it will become clear how much they have paid for getting into a medical college. In fact, it should me made mandatory for a doctor to write the amount he paid as donation on his letterhead and nameplate.

The Supreme Court, in its judgement eight months ago, clearly stated that private medical and engineering colleges could structure fees on their own, but also cautioned colleges against ‘profiteering.’ Ask the management of any private college and they will deny any such motive. They claim that ultimately it is the students who profit. How true! Because any student who gets 50 per cent marks with great difficulty, surely stands to profit if he is made a doctor by these colleges.

If any young doctor’s degree says "MBBS (35 lakh)" then you can well imagine how his marriage prospects will brighten. The bride’s family will be in no doubt about how much dowry they will have to offer to the boy.

The patients of the doctor will also understand that his operating fees runs into lacs because the poor fellow had to spend a lot on his studies.

Those students who manage to qualify only on the basis of merit will be at a disadvantage.

While discussing a matrimonial alliance, the bride’s father was heard yelling at the groom’s father, "On what basis are you demanding dowry from us? You haven’t spent a single penny on your son’s admission; the poor chap was selected on merit, we heard!"