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The delayed postgraduate (PG) medical admission process in India, stemming from a legal controversy surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for PG admissions, has created a critical staffing shortage in hospitals nationwide, including in Gujarat. This situation is particularly pressing for junior doctors, who are facing burnout and are struggling to cope with extended working hours as they continue their training. The Gujarat Junior Doctors' Association (JDA) has urged the Union government to intervene and expedite the admission process, citing the urgent need for qualified resident doctors to fill vacant positions in hospitals.
The issue arose after the National Board of Examinations conducted the PG-NEET examination in August. A controversy erupted over the scoring system employed in the examination, leading to challenges from students who contested the percentile and percentage-based marking system through legal channels. The matter is currently before the Supreme Court, with the next hearing scheduled for November 14. The ongoing legal proceedings have effectively stalled the admission process, leaving both prospective students and those who have already completed their first year of PG studies in limbo.
The delay in admissions has had a significant impact on the healthcare system, as hospitals are grappling with a critical shortage of resident doctors. Second-year PG students, who have completed their first year of training, are now facing the brunt of the staffing shortage, having to work extended hours and take on additional responsibilities. This has led to widespread burnout among these junior doctors, many of whom are now refusing to continue their 24-hour shift patterns, exacerbating the existing staffing shortage. The JDA has stressed the need for immediate action to resolve the legal dispute and expedite the admission process, arguing that the delay is negatively impacting both students and the overall functioning of the healthcare system.
The JDA has requested the government to engage in discussions with students, stakeholders, and relevant authorities to find a solution to the legal tangle. The organization emphasizes the critical need to resolve the matter swiftly, given the urgent demand for qualified resident doctors in hospitals across the country. The delay in admissions is not only affecting the education and career prospects of aspiring medical professionals but is also creating a significant burden on the healthcare system, which is already stretched thin. The prompt resolution of this issue is vital to ensure the smooth functioning of hospitals and the provision of quality healthcare services to the public.
Source: Urgent Call to Fast-Track PG Medical Admissions Amid Crisis: Junior Doctors Demand Action