Denied entry to convocation, private college medicos stage protest

The college allegedly lacks notification of approval by the Medical Council of India (MCI), which has been cited as the reason to make the students ineligible for the convocation, according to protestors. Around 150 students along with their parents gathered in front of the University to voice their concerns. 

A student, requesting anonymity, said “A total of four students from the college have cleared the entrance exam to pursue higher studies at AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science), but they can continue their study only if they have degree certificates. Further, many of us want to do post graduate courses and in such a condition, it is not fair to deny us degree certificates citing some reasons.” The student added that they would wait and watch for a next few days and would again protest on the convocation day. Similarly, a parent said, “Our children joined the medical college only through the counselling, but it is pathetic that the college management failed to apply corrective measures to get approval on time and get notification from the Centre.”

Speaking to DTNext, Dr Durairaj, Dean, Sri Muthukumaran Medical College, said that there was no necessity for students to stage protest at this juncture. “MCI has given its nod for approval. However, the university has not yet received notification and everything is under process. It will take around 10 days for notifying the approval, after which students will be provided degree certificates,” he said and added that they were also in touch with MGR Medical University authorities.

When contacted, Dr S Geethalakshmi, vice-chancellor, MGR Medical University, said that the MCI had given necessary approvals on November 22. “However, we have not received notification from the Union Health Ministry. I clearly explained about the processes and I am hoping that the college will be recognised within two weeks,” she said. Asked about students’ concern of pursuing higher studies, the V-C said they could study by explaining the present status of the medical college and there would be no issue.