Jharkhand NEET PG 2024 Counselling: The Jharkhand Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (JCECEB) has officially released the notice for the Jharkhand NEET PG 2024 Counselling for Round 1, outlining the schedule for admissions to postgraduate medical courses (MD/MS, Diploma & DNB) under the State Quota. The admissions will be based on the NEET-PG 2024 result. If you’re an aspiring medical professional seeking to pursue MD/MS or other postgraduate courses in government medical colleges of Jharkhand, here’s everything you need to know about the Round 1 counselling process.

 Jharkhand NEET PG 2024 Counselling Round 1 Time Schedule

The first round of counselling will follow a precise schedule, with each step being crucial for the successful allotment of seats. Below is the time schedule for the online counselling process:

 Online Registration and Choice Filling

Starting from 20th November 2024, eligible candidates can register online and begin filling their choices for seat allotment. The registration process will close on 25th November 2024, so it’s crucial for candidates to complete their choice filling within this window. After registration, applicants will be able to select their preferred colleges and courses.

Seat Allotment and Provisional Admission

Once the choice filling process is completed, the provisional seat allotment letter will be issued on 27th November 2024. This letter will inform the candidates about the college and course they have been allotted based on their NEET-PG rank and preferences. Candidates must take the allotted seat by completing the document verification and admission process at the concerned institute, which will take place between 28th November and 4th December 2024.

Counselling Fees and Security Deposit

To participate in the counselling process, candidates must pay both the counselling fee and security deposit. These payments can be made online through credit/debit cards or net banking.

Counselling Fee

The counselling fee varies based on the category of the candidate:

 Security Deposit

Candidates must also pay a security deposit based on the type of institution and category. The deposit is refundable under certain conditions, but it may be forfeited if the candidate does not take admission after being allotted a seat.

 Important Notes About Security Deposit

• Non-refundable security deposit: If a candidate does not take admission after being allotted a seat in the second round or subsequent rounds of counselling, the security deposit will be forfeited.
• Incorrect Information: If a candidate provides false information during the registration process or fails to present the necessary original documents during admission, the security deposit will not be refunded.
• Refund Process: If a candidate has been allotted a seat but does not take admission, the security deposit will be refunded, provided the candidate does not participate in any further rounds of counselling and no seat is allotted after any stage of counselling.

The Jharkhand NEET PG 2024 Counselling for Round 1 is a crucial opportunity for medical graduates to secure seats in the state’s postgraduate medical programs.

With the release of the State Merit List on 19th November 2024, followed by the online registration starting on 20th November 2024, candidates need to stay updated and complete all required steps on time.

The counselling fee and security deposit, while necessary for participation, ensure that the process remains organized and fair for all involved.

From MBBS to PG: Will the NExT Exam Shape the Future of Medical Education in India?

NExT Exam: The proposed National Exit Test (NExT) in India has sparked widespread debate among medical students, educators, and policymakers.

As a licensure and postgraduate entrance exam, NExT is set to revolutionize the way medical professionals are evaluated. However, a recent study has shed light on the uncertainty and concerns surrounding this new exam, particularly regarding its format, frequency, and purpose.

Conducted by a team of ten doctors from across the country, the study sought to understand medical students’ perceptions and preferences concerning the NExT, especially in terms of how it would impact their academic journey.

Only 31% Indian Students Aware of NExT Exam

The survey, published in the Medical Science Educator journal, included 729 medical students, ranging from MBBS students to postgraduates, across various institutions in Delhi, Chennai, and Andhra Pradesh.

 One of the most striking revelations from the study is that a significant portion of students, 31%, are not fully aware of the NExT pattern and its intended purpose.

This lack of clarity points to a gap in communication and highlights the need for better dissemination of information to students who are about to be impacted by this monumental shift in medical education.

Preferences for NExT Role

The majority of students prefer the NExT to function primarily as a postgraduate entrance exam, rather than as the Third Professional Part 2 (final-year) theory exam.

According to the survey, 69.1% of participants believe that NExT Step 1 should serve as an entrance exam for postgraduate medical education, while 52.1% also see it as a medical licensing exam.

Interestingly, only 43.1% of students feel that NExT Step 1 should replace the traditional final-year theory exam, emphasizing the desire for clarity between licensure and postgraduate entrance exams.

Shift to MCQ-Based Examinations

The study also reveals a strong preference among students for a 100% MCQ-based exam format for theoretical university professional exams.

About 80.7% of respondents believe that adopting this format would help them better prepare for competitive exams like NExT Step 1, which is likely to be MCQ-based.

This preference aligns with the growing trend of standardized testing formats worldwide, as students feel it provides a more focused and efficient way to assess knowledge, as opposed to the traditional long-answer formats prevalent in many medical schools.

No limits on the number of attempts

In terms of logistics, the majority of students expressed a desire for NExT exam Step 1 to be conducted every six months. They also preferred it to be a 1-day exam, lasting for about 3 hours, rather than a prolonged multi-day examination. This preference reflects the students’ desire to reduce the stress and pressure associated with long exam durations and limited opportunities to retake the exam.

Notably, 60% of participants voiced support for having no limits on the number of attempts for NExT Step 1, a suggestion that would help alleviate the burden of facing a single, high-stakes exam.

Importance of Mock Tests and Self-Assessment

Furthermore, the study advocates for the inclusion of regular mock tests that simulate the NExT exam format.

The students believe that these mock tests, conducted at least three times a year, would serve as invaluable tools for both self-assessment and preparation.

By offering practice exams that mirror the actual test conditions, students can gain confidence and familiarize themselves with the types of questions and time constraints they will face.

 This approach would be similar to the self-assessment exams administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) in the United States for students preparing for the USMLE.

Continuous Feedback and Adaptation

The research also highlights the importance of continuous feedback from all stakeholders—students, faculty, and examiners—to refine the NExT exam over time. The researchers note that feedback will be crucial to ensure that the exam evolves to meet the changing needs of the medical community.

Additionally, they stress the importance of giving students sufficient time to adjust to the new exam pattern. Introducing briefing sessions for both students and faculty could help align teaching methods with the new structure of the exam, ensuring that both educators and learners are prepared for the shift.

Time to Adjust Before Implementation

According to Bodmas Medical report NMC will implement NExT exam in the year 2025. The study’s findings reveal a consensus among students about the need for the NExT exam to be implemented thoughtfully and systematically.

Students not only want clear communication about the exam’s structure and timing but also wish for the exam to be flexible enough to cater to their diverse needs.

The researchers also emphasize that proper implementation of NExT should involve adequate time between its announcement and its first rollout, allowing students to prepare without undue anxiety.

Minority Colleges Fee Hike: The Uttar Pradesh government recently released the NEET PG fee structure for minority colleges for the 2024-25 academic year, revealing significant increases across various MD/MS programs.

The fee hikes in Uttar Pradesh’s five minority medical colleges—four Muslim minority institutions and one Jain minority institution—have primarily affected MD and MS programs across various specialties.

This restructuring comes at a time when the demand for specialized medical professionals is high, and the financial commitment for students pursuing these careers is intensifying.

The largest Fee Hike is ₹5,95,000

The largest fee hike among minority colleges for the 2024-25 academic year is ₹5,95,000, with fee increases across various MD and MS programs ranging from ₹1,00,000 to ₹5,95,000.

The Integral Institute of Medical Sciences and Research has marked the most significant increase, with the MS Ophthalmology program seeing this peak hike.

New Fee Structure of minority medical college:

Teererthanker Mahave University, Moradabad (Jain Minority)

F.H. Medical College & Hospital, Agra (Muslim Minority)

Career Institute of Medical Sciences (Muslim Minority)

Era University (Muslim Minority)

Integral Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (Muslim Minority)

NEET PG Minority Colleges Fee hike

• Integral Institute of Medical Sciences and Research: With fee hikes reaching up to ₹5,95,000 in some programs, this college has recorded the most substantial increases. MD/MS programs in Orthopaedics, Radiology, Dermatology, and ENT have also seen major adjustments, emphasizing a considerable rise in cost for prospective students.
• Teerthanker Mahaveer University (Jain Minority): The fee increase ranges from ₹1,80,000 across various programs, affecting specialties like Psychiatry, Anesthesia, and Obstetrics & Gynecology. This relatively moderate hike reflects the rising demand for these programs.
• Era University and F.H. Medical College: With fee hikes of up to ₹3,90,000, these institutions have seen significant adjustments, particularly in high-demand areas such as General Surgery and Orthopaedics.

Impact on Students and Families

This Minority Colleges Fee hike could lead to increased financial pressure on students and their families, especially those from middle-income backgrounds. For many aspiring medical professionals, the high cost of education can lead to financial burdens, including large educational loans.

The elevated fees may also impact the choice of specialization for students, pushing them toward programs with relatively lower costs rather than those aligned with their interests or career aspirations.

IMA Opposes the Government’s Proposal for Geriatric Nursing Practitioners

T”puram: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has raised strong objections to the central government’s recent proposal to introduce geriatric nursing practitioners in India. The IMA argues that the move undermines the professional and educational framework of modern medicine, specifically the role of qualified doctors.

IMA’s Stand on Geriatric Nursing Practitioners

According to the Indian Medical Association, the proposal to create a new category of healthcare professionals—geriatric nursing practitioners—is both inappropriate and unnecessary. IMA state president Dr. Joseph Benavan emphasized that, according to the National Medical Council (NMC) guidelines, the fundamental qualification for diagnosing and treating patients in modern medicine remains an MBBS degree.

“The introduction of geriatric nursing practitioners, with the aim of allowing nursing graduates to treat patients independently, is not acceptable under modern medical practice. Geriatrics, being a specialized area of healthcare, requires in-depth knowledge and clinical expertise that can only be gained through a formal medical education,” said Dr.Benavan.

Concerns Over New Roles for Nurses

The IMA’s concerns are rooted in the proposed shift that would allow nursing graduates, after receiving specialized education under the Nursing Council, to take on roles typically reserved for doctors. The association expressed strong disapproval of the idea of conferring the title of ‘doctor’ on nursing professionals, highlighting the distinction between the roles of nurses and doctors.

“Nurses play a critical role in healthcare, supporting doctors in patient care, but their responsibilities and training are distinct. The nursing profession is structured to complement the medical profession, not replace it,” added Dr. K. Shashidharan, IMA state secretary.

Dr. Shashidharan further reiterated that while the IMA recognizes and values the essential contributions of nurses, they believe that introducing geriatric nursing practitioners could potentially diminish the value of the MBBS degree and deny medical graduates the career opportunities they deserve.

The IMA’s Proposed Alternatives

Rather than introducing geriatric nursing practitioners, the IMA suggests that the government should focus on enhancing opportunities for doctors in the specialized field of geriatric medicine. They argue that the best way to address the needs of an aging population is by investing in postgraduate courses in geriatric medicine and family medicine. This would provide medical graduates with the specialized training required to treat elderly patients with complex medical conditions.

The IMA leaders have also called for the establishment of more institutions offering geriatric nursing courses, which would better serve the nursing community and contribute to the growing demand for geriatric care. This, they argue, would help ensure that both doctors and nurses are adequately trained to meet the needs of an aging population while maintaining clear professional boundaries.

Government’s Role in Geriatric Care

The IMA has also urged the central government to take the necessary steps to address the shortage of healthcare professionals specializing in geriatrics. With the elderly population in India expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, there is an increasing demand for specialized medical care for senior citizens.

The association has called for a collaborative approach, where medical professionals, nurses, and healthcare institutions work together to meet the complex healthcare needs of elderly patients. IMA leaders are optimistic that through the introduction of more specialized programs, including geriatric care, India can adequately prepare for the challenges posed by an aging population.

Looking Forward: A Unified Approach to Geriatric Healthcare

The IMA’s resistance to the introduction of geriatric nursing practitioners stems from a broader concern about maintaining high standards in medical practice and ensuring that patient care is provided by appropriately qualified professionals. However, the association is also open to reforms that will benefit both doctors and nurses and improve healthcare delivery for senior citizens.

“Instead of creating unnecessary new roles, the focus should be on building a well-structured, comprehensive education and training system in geriatric care for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. Only then will we ensure that our elderly population receives the quality care they deserve,” concluded Dr.Benavan.

New Delhi: In the midst of ongoing legal proceedings at the Bombay High Court, the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has reaffirmed its decision to eliminate the Respiratory Medicine Department from MBBS medical colleges throughout the nation. The top medical education regulatory authority provided this reasoning following a letter from the Karnataka Pulmonologists Association, which had urged the Commission to restore the Department in India’s MBBS medical colleges.

 In its justification, the NMC UGMEB stated that tuberculosis and chest diseases, along with related topics, were considered new disciplines 50 years ago when there was a lack of sufficient skills and knowledge in these areas.”Over the past seventy years, medical science has advanced significantly. Currently, specialized and super-specialized training in Respiratory Medicine/Pulmonary Medicine is available in medical colleges,” noted the Commission.

The NMC further highlighted that General Medicine and related subjects for undergraduate students are taught by the faculty in Medicine. It also stated that UGMEB has been tasked with enhancing medical education at the undergraduate level: “A law aimed at creating a medical education system that increases access to quality and affordable medical education, ensures the supply of sufficient and high-quality medical professionals throughout the country; promotes equitable and universal healthcare with a focus on community health and makes medical professionals’ services accessible to all citizens; and supports national health objectives.”

The Commission further noted that beyond TB & Chest Diseases/Respiratory Diseases, there are at least 27 additional specialties, each needing their own focus within CC education. “This puts a significant strain on undergraduate medical students, jeopardizing their involvement in the process.”UGMEB aims to make UGME enjoyable and invigorating for students, encouraging them to become leaders in primary healthcare services. Consequently, this subject will be taught by faculty from General Medicine and related fields.

This approach will also simplify the establishment of new colleges, particularly in rural peripheral areas,” the Commission stated, adding that Respiratory Medicine/Pulmonary Medicine has already evolved into Specialty and Super-specialty fields where interested individuals can further their education and meet societal needs.

New Competency-Based Medical Education Guidelines

The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has eliminated three departments—Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR), Respiratory Medicine, and Emergency Medicine—from the list of essential departments that every medical college or institution must have to be authorized for annual undergraduate medical admissions. The newly released Competency-Based Medical Education 2024 guidelines also lack a provision for a separate department for respiratory medicine.

Despite respiratory medicine specialists approaching various authorities to request a reconsideration of this decision, they received no relief and opted to seek legal recourse. Consequently, the Indian Chest Society (ICS) lodged a Public Interest Litigation regarding this matter before the Bombay High Court. The Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is also a petitioner in this lawsuit.