The super-specialty doctor seats that are unfilled in medical colleges all across India are of concern to the Supreme Court of India. A group of students who had petitioned the court to challenge arbitrary restrictions that forbade them from changing courses after enrolling in them once and subjected doctors to harsh fines were heard by a panel of justices led by Justices BR Gavai and Pankaj Mittal.

The judges stated, “We are striving to be a nation with top-notch healthcare, and while we claim to be short on doctors, in reality, we have seats opening up for the doctors.” “Super-specialty hospital beds are a priceless national resource. They shouldn’t be allowed to stand empty.

The matter will be heard again on April 14 after the court requested Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to clarify the guidelines. The ASG informed the court that although they have already removed the penalty provision in the majority of instances, they will wait for orders before doing so in this specific group of cases.

Senior attorney Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued at the hearing that students should be permitted to switch to a different stream at the super-speciality level without suffering consequences. “It’s not right to impose a penalty like this,” he remarked.

A student who wanted to transfer from a private to a government college was told that he had to pay his tuition for the entire course before being permitted to do so, according to a different batch of petitions, and the court responded by sending a notice to the ICARE Institute of Medical Sciences & Research. The argument made in the petition, which opposed the Calcutta High Court’s ruling, was that forcing the migrated student to pay his tuition price twice would result in an unfair situation.

The court pointed out that payment of fees for the remaining semesters is not covered by the applicable University and Medical Council of India laws, and that migration should only be permitted in rare circumstances based on legitimate reasons.

Given the lack of doctors in India, the Supreme Court’s concern regarding open positions for super-specialty doctors is a significant step. A step towards ensuring that the nation’s healthcare system is reinforced and that patients receive the finest care possible is the court’s decision to seek clarification on the laws and sanctions imposed on physicians.

The state of Karnataka, which is in the southwest of India, has become a centre for healthcare and medical education in the nation. The state is known for its intellectual excellence, and its educational institutions have a rich historical and cultural heritage. The state of Karnataka is renowned for having a reasonably good healthcare system with both public and private healthcare services.

The enormous number of medical seats available is one of the main reasons Karnataka is so well-known in the field of medical education. The state has the second-highest number of MBBS and PG medical seats in the nation. Tamil Nadu tops the list with the most MBBS seats, although Karnataka also has 10,995 seats available. As of 2023, Karnataka would have the most PG seats, with 6006 seats available.

State counselling for NEET UG and NEET PG is run by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). After the NEET UG and NEET PG results are released, the counselling process is started online. On the KEA official website, qualifying applicants who have passed the NEET UG and NEET PG exams can register for the counselling process.

Based on their NEET UG and NEET PG scores and rankings, students can select their desired medical college and course during counselling. Based on the scores, the KEA publishes a merit list, and candidates are contacted for counselling as necessary. After that, they need to turn in the original paperwork and pay the counselling charge. Following the process, the KEA publishes a seat allocation list based on the candidates’ selections and the seats that are still available in the institutions.

Candidates who receive a seat are required to be at the college on time and complete the admissions procedures. It is crucial to be aware that a candidate’s seat could be forfeited and given to another in the subsequent rounds of counselling if they fail to arrive at the college on time.

In addition to the KEA, the MCC/DGHS for Undergraduate Medical Colleges also offers counselling to successful applicants for seats under the 15% All India Quota and 100%, including the 85% State Quota of Central Institutions, including ABVIMS & RML Hospital, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, ESIC, Central Universities (including DU/BHU/AMU), AIIMS, JIPMER, and Deemed Universities.

It is important to note that Karnataka boasts a number of esteemed medical colleges, both public and private, that provide students with a top-notch medical education. The Karnataka state government has launched a number of measures to enhance healthcare services, including the creation of new medical schools and hospitals as well as a number of health-related programmes.

Karnataka not only has a top-notch medical education system, but it also has many top-notch hospitals that provide cutting-edge medical services. In order to guarantee that residents of rural areas have access to high-quality healthcare, the state government has also opened a number of health clinics and centres there.

Karnataka’s development into a centre of medical education and healthcare is evidence of its dedication to offering its inhabitants high-quality education and healthcare services. Karnataka is well-positioned to remain a leader in medical education and healthcare in the years to come thanks to its well-established medical school system, first-rate healthcare facilities, and proactive government efforts.

Top Government Colleges of Karnataka

1. Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore 
2. Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysuru 
3. Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli                     
4. Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bellary 
5. Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya 
6. Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences, Belagavi
7. ESIC Medical College and PGIMSR, Rajajinagar, Bangalore 
8. Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hassan 
9. Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences, Shimoga 
10. Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Gulbarga
11. Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences, Bidar 
12. Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences, Raichur 
13. Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences, Gadag 
14. Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences, Kodagu
15. Koppal Institute of Medical
16. Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences, Karwar 
17. ESIC Medical College and PGIMSR, Gulbarga 
18. Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli 
19. Command Hospital Air Force, Bangalore 
20. Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hassan 
21. Chamrajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, Chamrajanagar
22. Employees State Insurance Corporation Medical College, Bangalore 

These government medical colleges offer a diverse range of medical courses, including MBBS, MD, MS, and many other postgraduate and super-specialty courses. They have a highly experienced and qualified faculty that provides excellent training to students. These colleges also have modern infrastructure, advanced labs, and libraries to facilitate research and development. They have well-equipped hospitals with state-of-the-art technology, providing students with hands-on clinical experience. Admission to these colleges is based on NEET scores, and the fees are affordable compared to private medical colleges. These colleges also provide internships with a monthly stipend of INR 20,000-45,000.

Private Medical Colleges of India

1. St.  Johns medical college 
2. MS Ramaiah. Medical College 
3. Vaidehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre 
4. Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore
5. BGS Globsl Institute of Medical Sciences 
6. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore
7. MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital 
8. Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College 
9. Akash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre
10. Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore
11. Sri NiwasInstitute of Medical Research Centre 
12. A J Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Mangalore 
13. JJM Medical College 
14. The Oxford Medical College Hospita and Research Centre
15. East Point College of Medical Sciences  and Research Centre
16. Al Ameen Medical College
17. Basaveshwara Medical College and Hospital, Chitradurga
18. Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences
19. S.S.Institute of Medical Sciences and Rsearch Centre
20. Navodaya Medical College, Raichur
21. Kanachur Institute of Medical  Sciences
22. Shri Devi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Hospital
23. S. Nijalingappa Medical College, and HSK Hospital and research Centre, Bagalkot
24. GR medical college Hospital and research centre,
25. K.V.G. Medical College 
26. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore
27. Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore
28. Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur
29. Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore
30. K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore
31. K.S. Medical College and Research Center, Bangalore
32. The Oxford Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore
33. East Point College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore

These private medical colleges offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in medicine and healthcare. They have experienced faculty, modern infrastructure, and advanced lab facilities to provide quality education to students. Admission to these colleges is based on the NEET exam score and the fees are higher than government medical colleges. These colleges provide excellent clinical exposure to students and have affiliated hospitals for practical training. They also provide internships with stipends ranging from INR 20,000-50,000 per month.

In a significant development, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has given its approval for the opening of a government medical college in the Kalahandi district of Odisha, with 100 MBBS seats. The NMC nod has paved the way for the medical college to start admitting students from the current academic year.

The Office of the Collector and District Magistrate, Kalahandi, shared the news on Twitter and said, “National Medical Commission has approved opening of Govt Medical College at Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi with 100 MBBS seats from the academic session 2023-24.”

The government of Odisha had earlier announced that it would set up four new medical colleges in Kalahandi, Talcher, Jajpur, and Kandhamal. Among these, the Government Medical College and Hospital, Kalahandi has been constituted at an investment of more than 200 crore rupees, with 60% of the total amount sanctioned by the Central Government. The state will bear the entire cost of recurring infrastructure.

According to sources, the construction work of the academic and administrative blocks, hostels, and staff quarters for the 100-seat medical college is almost complete, and the construction work of the academic building is ongoing and expected to be completed soon. The college has been set up on the outskirts of Bhawanipatna and has been built on 36 acres of land.

Earlier, a private party had attempted to run a medical college in Kalahandi district on government land, but the venture had failed. The State had first tried to set up a medical college in Kalahandi district around 20 years ago in 2004, but it was unsuccessful.

With the opening of GMC, Kalahandi, it has become the third medical college in the impoverished Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput (KBK) region after the medical colleges in Koraput (2017) and Balangir (2018).

This development is expected to bring good news to the medical aspirants in Odisha, as it will provide them with more opportunities to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors and contribute to the healthcare sector of the state.

On April 6, 2023, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the JEE Main Session 2 examination for engineering aspirants. The examination consisted of 90 questions, out of which students had to attempt 75 questions. As per the experts at Aakash BYJU’S, the overall difficulty of JEE Main (Session 2) Shift 1 – 2023 was moderate. The detailed analysis of the paper is provided below for the reference of the candidates.

The subject-wise difficulty level of the paper was as follows:

• Physics was the easiest subject to attempt.
• Chemistry had a mix of moderate and easy questions, with significant emphasis on Organic Chemistry.
• Mathematics was of moderate difficulty, with a few challenging and lengthy questions covering topics such as integration, probability, etc.

In terms of class-wise distribution, the questions in Physics and Mathematics were dominated by the Class 11th syllabus, while in Chemistry, the questions were evenly distributed from the Class 11th and Class 12th syllabus. Overall, the questions distribution from the Class 11th syllabus dominated the paper.

Students who appeared for the JEE Main BE/BTech papers today felt that the overall difficulty level of the paper was moderate, with Mathematics being the most difficult subject to attempt. While the Maths questions were lengthier and tougher in comparison to Chemistry and Physics, formula-based questions were relatively easy. Chemistry had mostly easy questions from NCERT books, with Biomolecules, Polymers, and Environmental Chemistry having its share of 4 questions.

The JEE Main 2023 exam has been reported to have a similar difficulty level as the previous year. Students who have prepared well for the exam will find it easy to score high in the Maths section. Overall, the emphasis on the Class 11th syllabus in the paper highlights the importance of laying a strong foundation in the early years of learning.

In conclusion, JEE Main 2023 Session 2 Shift 1 was a moderate paper with an emphasis on the Class 11th syllabus. Students who have a good understanding of the basics and have prepared well will be able to score well in the examination.

Medical aspirants across the country have shown immense interest in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Undergraduate (UG) exam, with over 21 lakh candidates registering for it this year. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, where 18 lakh 72 thousand students had applied for the examination.

The registration process for NEET UG 2023 was concluded by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on April 6, 2023. The exam is set to be conducted on May 7, 2023, and is expected to see over 20 lakh candidates taking the test.

Career Counseling Expert Parijat Mishra from ALLEN Career Institute shared that the increased participation could be attributed to various reasons, with the centralized admission system being one of the biggest factors. Mishra stated that earlier, admission was only given on MBBS seats, but now admissions are also done for dental courses, Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, Veterinary courses of AYUSH, paramedical, and nursing courses.

The NEET UG 2023 exam pattern remains the same as previous years, with the exam being conducted for a total of 720 marks. Each question carries 4 marks, and there is negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer. Questions will be based on Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology.

The exam will be held in a single shift between 2 PM and 5.20 PM in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. The exam city slip and admit cards are expected to be released by the end of April.

Medical aspirants have been preparing tirelessly for the NEET UG exam, with many seeking admission to the top medical colleges in the country. The NEET UG exam is one of the most competitive medical entrance exams in India, and securing a good rank in the exam is crucial for students who want to pursue a career in the medical field.

As the exam date approaches, students are advised to stay focused, calm, and well-prepared for the exam. The NEET UG exam is an opportunity for medical aspirants to showcase their knowledge and secure a bright future in the medical profession.

Madras High Court recently made an observation stating that candidates who secure a Post Graduate (PG) medical seat should consider it as a national resource and not waste it by discontinuing the course. The bench comprising Acting Chief Justice T. Raja and Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy made the observation while considering an appeal by the selection committee of the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) and the Dean of Madras Medical College (MMC) against a single-judge order passed by the HC in 2019.

The order had directed the DME and the Dean of MMC to return the MBBS degree certificate and transfer certificate to a student who had discontinued her PG medical course at Madras Medical College. The student had secured admission in 2019 in MD (Tuberculosis and Respiratory diseases) / Pulmonary Medicine UR/MD (Respiratory Medicine) on the basis of her score in NEET PG examination.

However, within two days of joining the course, the student had submitted a letter stating that she had to discontinue the course due to a sudden change of events in her personal life, namely the fixing of her marriage. The college insisted that she pay a discontinuation fee of Rs. 15 lakh in addition to the tuition fee before returning her educational documents.

The student challenged this decision in court, and the single-judge bench ruled that as per Clause 27(a), the liability to pay the discontinuation fee arises only if the discontinuation takes place after the cut-off date for admission. Since the discontinuation in this case had taken place before the cut-off date for admission, the bench directed the college to return the student’s documents.

However, the DME and the Dean of MMC appealed against this ruling, arguing that Clause 24(c) states that candidates under the All India Quota who discontinue the course after the last phase of counseling are liable to pay the discontinuation fee. The division bench of the High Court considered both sides’ arguments and finally upheld the single-judge bench’s decision.

Challenging this decision, the authorities of the medical college approached the Division bench of the High Court, where they argued that the petitioner cannot resign from their allotted seats or participate in any further counseling as per the decision of the Director General of Health Services. The authorities further pointed out that the State had all facilities including Professors for teaching PG students, who are limited in number. Therefore, if the petitioner vacates her seat in a casual manner, then the Clauses in the Prospectus cannot be read in the manner as read by the learned Single Judge.

The authorities also argued that even though Clause 24(c) expressly mentions candidates of All India Quota, there is no such express mention of AIQ students in Clause 27(a). Therefore, the authorities contended that the mention of the cut-off date can only be applicable to State Quota students and the petitioner, who got admission under the AIQ, is liable to pay the discontinuation fee of Rs 15 lakh once she vacates the seat after the last phase of counseling.

Despite finding force in the submissions made by the authorities, the Division Bench referred to Clause 27(a) of the Prospectus, which provides that if only the candidates who discontinue their course after the cut-off date, they have to pay the discontinuing fees; otherwise, they will only forfeit their tuition fees. The bench noted that a plain reading of the Prospectus does not make any difference between the State Quota or All India Quota, and hence, the student would not be liable to pay the discontinuation fees.

The bench also added that the student seemed to be a meritorious candidate who had to discontinue on account of personal reasons. The bench further disapproved of the practice of wasting precious medical seats and urged candidates to be more careful in planning their career and personal life, considering that a Post Graduation Medical seat is a national resource by itself.

The Madras High Court Division bench has passed an order in favour of the student, directing the Dean of the medical college to return her educational certificates. The court has also clarified that the benefits of ambiguity in the Prospectus should be in favour of the student, and candidates should be more careful in planning their career and personal life to avoid wastage of precious medical seats.

The court also observed that PG medical seats should be considered national resources and that meritorious candidates admitted to such seats should not waste them by discontinuing the course. The bench pointed out that there were other candidates who missed the seat by a fraction of marks and, therefore, advised students to be more careful in planning their career and personal life.

The Madras High Court’s ruling is significant as it underscores the importance of PG medical seats and the responsibility of students who secure them. The court’s observation that such seats are national resources should serve as a reminder to students that they should not take the admission process lightly and that they have a duty to make the most of the opportunity provided to them.

Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in global health, and their expertise and dedication are essential to improving health outcomes worldwide. On World Health Day, let us recognize and celebrate the significant contribution of Healthcare professionals to global health, and let us work together to prioritize and invest in quality healthcare services for all.

Healthcare professionals play a critical role in ensuring the health and well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. World Health Day, observed annually on April 7th, highlights the importance of global health and the need for improved access to quality healthcare services. Healthcare professionals are at the forefront of this effort, providing essential medical care and expertise in various fields.

Healthcare professionals are highly trained professionals who possess specialized knowledge and skills in their particular area of expertise. They include doctors, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, public health professionals, and other healthcare givers who provide specialized medical care to patients. They play a critical role in diagnosing and treating illnesses, providing preventive care, and managing chronic conditions.

The importance of Healthcare professionals in global health cannot be overstated. They work tirelessly to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases, ensuring that individuals and communities worldwide have access to quality healthcare services. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to identify health problems and develop effective solutions. Healthcare professionals are also involved in public health campaigns, educating individuals and communities about the importance of healthy living and disease prevention.

On World Health Day, it is crucial to recognize the significant contribution of Healthcare professionals to global health. They are at the forefront of efforts to improve health outcomes worldwide, working tirelessly to provide essential medical care and expertise in various fields. By recognizing the critical role of Healthcare professionals, we can promote greater investment in healthcare services, ensuring that individuals and communities worldwide have access to quality medical care. We can also encourage more individuals to pursue careers in healthcare, ensuring that we have a well-trained and dedicated workforce to address the healthcare challenges of the future.

World Health Day 2023: Celebrating 75 Years of Health for All

On Friday, April 7, 2023, the world will come together to celebrate World Health Day, commemorating the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. This annual event is of great significance as it raises awareness about global health issues and highlights the importance of health and well-being. The theme for World Health Day 2023 is “Health for All,” emphasizing the need for universal access to quality healthcare services.

History of World Health Day

World Health Day has been observed since 1950, two years after the establishment of the World Health Organization. Since then, the WHO has organized numerous events and programs, aimed at promoting healthy living and raising awareness about various health-related issues. The day has served as a reminder to governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide to prioritize and invest in health and wellness.

Importance of World Health Day

The celebration of World Health Day serves as a vital reminder to governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide to prioritize and invest in health and wellness. It provides an opportunity to spread awareness about diseases, public health issues, and the importance of preventive measures, especially in the current era of Covid-19. Celebrating a day dedicated to health encourages us to take charge of our health and well-being by adopting healthy habits and seeking medical attention when necessary.

Significance of World Health Day 2023

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of World Health Day, it is a significant milestone, highlighting the progress made in global health over the past seven decades. The theme “Health for All” emphasizes the need for universal access to quality healthcare services, which is crucial in the current context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The event provides a platform to raise awareness about diseases, public health issues, and the significance of preventive measures, empowering individuals to take ownership of their health and well-being.

Theme for World Health Day 2023

The theme for World Health Day 2023 is “Health for All,” reflecting the need for universal access to quality healthcare services. The World Health Organization is planning to organize various campaigns and awareness programs, facilitating discussions on global health. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of providing equitable access to healthcare services and ensuring that no one is left behind.

World Health Day is an important annual event that reminds us of the significance of health and well-being. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of World Health Day in 2023, we must acknowledge the progress made in global health while recognizing the efforts of Healthcare Professionals and challenges that lie ahead. The theme “Health for All” emphasizes the need for universal access to quality healthcare services, which is crucial in the current context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Let us all come together to prioritize and invest in health and wellness, working towards a healthier and more equitable future for all.

The National Board of Examinations for Medical Sciences (NBE) recently announced the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Postgraduate (NEET-PG) for 2023. The exam was conducted as scheduled despite widespread protests by aspirants and doctors’ associations asking for a postponement. Despite the challenges, this year’s exam saw a higher cutoff and a significant number of students scoring over 700 out of 800.

What led to these tumultuous changes in the status quo, enabling so many students to score at a much higher level despite an increase in the cut-off? Why are medical aspirants these days just unwilling to settle for an MBBS degree and have ambitions to pursue at least a speciality degree, if not a super-specialty degree? 

Experts have said that this year’s NEET PG exam was moderately difficult. The major portion of the paper was based on clinical inquiries, covering around 60% of the questions. Approximately 15-20% of the questions were based on one-line answers. Due to the inclusion of more than 35 image-based questions, the paper was also brief in nature.

One of the main reasons why medical aspirants are keen to pursue higher degrees is the increasing demand for specialized healthcare services. The healthcare industry is evolving rapidly, and specialized healthcare professionals are in high demand. Specialized healthcare professionals are required in various fields such as cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, and more. These fields require specialized knowledge and expertise, which can only be gained through higher education.

Another reason for the increased interest in specialized medical degrees is the higher earning potential. Specialized medical professionals earn more than those with an MBBS degree. Super-speciality degrees such as DM or MCh can lead to even higher salaries.

The NEET PG exam is a critical step towards pursuing a specialized medical degree. Aspirants who score well in the NEET PG exam can apply for various postgraduate medical courses in India. The NEET PG exam is also an important factor in securing a good position in the medical industry.

The NEET PG exam for 2023 has brought many surprises, including a higher cutoff and a significant number of students scoring over 700 out of 800. Medical aspirants are increasingly keen to pursue higher degrees due to the demand for specialized healthcare services and the higher earning potential. The NEET PG exam is a critical step towards achieving these goals.

Higher Cut-off Despite of Difficult Exam

NEET PG 2023 exam was a tough nut to crack, but the students’ hard work and the availability of online resources helped them score better. Despite the uncertainties about the NEXT exam, students are still aspiring to pursue master’s degrees, rather than settling for MBBS degrees.

Despite the difficult exam, students were better prepared this year, with more online resources available, and the COVID-19 pandemic changing the way students prepare for the exams. This year’s NEET PG exam covered 19 subjects, and the candidates have been preparing for it differently from previous years.

According to the Union Health Ministry’s recent submission in the Parliament, around 50,468 PG seats are available in government and private colleges, excluding the Diplomate of the National Board (DNB)/Fellowship of the National Board (FNB) and the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPS) PG seats.

Dr Dinesh Jandu, Medical Officer, Nagaur, Rajasthan, believes that one reason why students scored better on merit this year is the abundance of online resources available. Students have been able to study during intermissions while doing their internships, which was not possible earlier. The pandemic has changed the way students used to prepare by travelling long distances on weekends to take coaching classes.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued draft guidelines introducing the National Exit Test (NExT) PG exam, which comprises two distinct tests. It is anticipated that the NEXT will be conducted from December 2023 onwards. Students are still unsure about how this regime change will affect how they prepare for the PG exam, and this uncertainty is another factor why they worked harder this year, according to Dr Jandu.

Need for Speciality and Super-speciality Doctors in India is on the rise

The demand for speciality and super-speciality courses in the medical field has witnessed a sharp rise in recent years. This can be attributed to various factors, such as the need for specialised doctors in the healthcare system, rising competition, and a preference for higher earning potential.

According to a study conducted in 2012, clinical specialities such as medicine, surgery, OBG, and paediatrics were the most preferred choices for medical undergraduate students. However, due to the high fee structure of private medical colleges, many students have to take loans to pursue their education. This often leads to a preference for clinical science subjects in post-graduate schools and the pursuit of private practice to repay the loans.

The healthcare system across the country is undergoing a massive change, and with technological breakthroughs and the emergence of new kinds of diseases due to lifestyle modifications, there is a need for specialised doctors to precisely treat patients. This has led to an increase in the number of candidates pursuing advanced levels of medical education.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a significant role in increasing medical awareness among the general public. As a result, students are preparing for a long haul and are no longer satisfied with confining themselves to medical practice alone. They want to pursue higher studies side by side to gain a competitive edge and become distinctive in their field.

The number of candidates taking the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) has increased threefold over the last five years, leading to rising competition in the field. Indian medical students who graduated from foreign universities and took the test in 2021 were about 41,349, of which 24.05 per cent cleared the exam. This has further increased the demand for higher education among medical students.

However, the increasing number of FMGE candidates has also led to a decrease in the monetary perks that MBBS graduates used to receive at private hospitals in urban areas. This has made it difficult for them to sustain a quality lifestyle, and many have to move to cities for better opportunities. People in cities have become more educated and want only specialised doctors for treatment, further contributing to the demand for higher education in the medical field.

Rural doctors face tough job prospects in India’s urban areas

The urban-rural divide in healthcare infrastructure and the shortage of doctors in rural areas is a persistent problem in India. According to a survey conducted by KPMG and the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) in 2016, the majority of hospitals, dispensaries, and doctors are located in urban areas, leaving rural areas underserved.

To address this issue, the government is making efforts to encourage doctors to work in rural areas. However, the challenge remains as doctors are drawn to cities for better income opportunities and more advanced medical facilities.

In Rajasthan, a state in northern India, Dr Sachin Jangid, a Medical Officer with the state government, shared that an MBBS graduate practicing privately in rural areas can earn four to five lakh rupees as a monthly income, whereas a super-speciality degree holder would earn the same in the state’s capital, Jaipur. This income gap makes it challenging for rural doctors to compete with their urban counterparts.

Moreover, people in rural areas also strive for better healthcare. However, limited resources and a concentration of a poor population make it challenging for rural areas to offer high-quality medical facilities. As a result, people in rural areas have to settle for suboptimal care, which adds to the burden of healthcare costs.

A study conducted in China, Malaysia, India, and regions of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) found that only 4.8% of medical students hail from rural backgrounds. This suggests that people living in urban cities have more access to medical education, private tuition, and facilities. As a result, students from cosmopolitan areas do not fancy villages to practice medicine.

The urban-rural divide in healthcare infrastructure and the shortage of doctors in rural areas continue to be a major challenge in India. While the government is making efforts to address this issue, the gap remains wide. It is essential to address this issue to ensure that people in rural areas have access to high-quality medical facilities and doctors are encouraged to practice medicine in underserved areas.

The QS Asia University Rankings 2023 has been released and Indian Institute of Science has emerged as the best educational institution in Southern Asia. IIT Bombay & Delhi follow closely behind, securing the second & Third positions respectively in the region. The QS Asia University Rankings 2023 is based on a range of criteria including academic and employer reputations, the number of staff holding a PhD, and the percentage of international students.

For almost two decades, the QS World University Rankings has been providing worldwide performance metrics to the higher education sector, government officials, academics, and students. The QS World University Rankings for this year cover nearly 1,500 educational institutions from different parts of the globe. The top positions are not solely dominated by renowned universities as the rankings feature leading universities from diverse regions in Europe, Asia, and North America.

The QS World University Rankings is a yearly publication that ranks universities worldwide, including overall and subject-specific rankings that highlight the top universities for 51 different subjects and five composite faculty areas. The rankings also include independent regional tables such as Asia, Latin America, Emerging Europe and Central Asia, and the Arab Region. 

QS is the most widely read university rankings in the world and also produces related rankings such as Graduate Employability Rankings, Best Student Cities, Higher Education System Strength Rankings, Rankings by Location, and a suite of Business School Rankings including Global MBA, EMBA, Distance Online MBA, and Business Masters.

The top-ranking Indian universities in the QS Asia University Rankings 2023 are:

Indian Institute of Science has gained a higher position by overpowering IIT Bombay.

IIT Bombay has also improved its ranking from the previous year, moving up from the 177th position to the 172th position. IIT Delhi has also improved its position from last year’s rankings, moving up from 185 to 174.

Other Indian universities that have made it to the rankings this year include IITM, IITK, IIT Kharagpur, IITR, IITG, IITI, University of Delhi, and 31 more universities.

The QS Asia University Rankings 2023 is a testament to the quality of education and research being carried out by Indian universities. These rankings serve as a valuable tool for students and faculty members to make informed decisions about where to study or work. The Indian government has also been actively promoting higher education in the country, and these rankings will help in further boosting the reputation of Indian universities on a global scale.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has extended the registration deadline for the July 2023 session of the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET). This exam is conducted for admission to MD/MS/MDS and DM/MCh (06yrs.) programs. The new deadline to register for the exam is April 7, 2023, till 5 pm. Candidates can register for the exam by visiting the official website — aiimsexams.ac.in.

Written Test Details:

The written test for the INI-CET July 2023 session is scheduled to be held on May 7, 2023. Admit cards for the same will be issued on May 1, 2023. Candidates who successfully register for the exam will be able to download their admit cards from the official website.

Registration Process:

Candidates can follow these simple steps to register for the INI-CET July 2023 session:

Step 1: Visit the official website — aiimsexams.ac.in

Step 2: Click on the link for registration on the homepage

Step 3: Click on new registration and enter your details such as name, date of birth and more

Step 4: Once registered, login using your registration ID and password

Step 5: Upload the necessary documents

Step 6: Save, submit and pay the fees

Step 7: Download the application form for future reference

Important Notice:

Candidates who have completed their Basic Registration before the July 2019 session will not be considered valid for the July 2023 session. Therefore, candidates who have done their basic registration for the January 2019 session or previous ones are required to do new Basic registration.

Candidates interested in pursuing MD/MS/MDS and DM/MCh (06yrs.) programs at AIIMS can now register for the INI-CET July 2023 session till April 7, 2023, till 5 pm. All candidates are advised to carefully read the instructions and guidelines before filling out the application form.