Tamil Nadu CM's Critique of Centre's NEET PG 2023 Counselling Approach Stirs Controversy

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Wednesday reduced the qualifying percentile for NEET PG 2023 from zero in all categories, creating mixed feelings among candidates and medical institutions. While Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin criticized the BJP-led Centre, saying it had accepted that the benefit of the test was zero and had nothing to do with meritocracy.

According to details, Indian Medical Association (IMA), United Doctors Front Association (UDFA), and Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) are celebrating the decision of the ministry.

On the other hand, the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has criticized the commission's notice.

In opposition to:
Opposing the government's decision, Stalin wrote on X, "By reducing the NEET PG cut-off to 'zero', they are admitting that 'eligibility' in the national 'eligibility' cum entrance exam is meaningless. It is only about coaching centers and payments. Exams . needs no further qualification."
 

His son - Udhayanidhi Stalin - on Wednesday alleged that the Center had exposed a "conspiracy" of the national test by lowering the qualifying percentage to zero for counseling for NEET PG 2023.

Expressing his disappointment, FAIMA president Rohan Krishnan took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, "I totally disagree with the strange circular issued by @MoHFW_INDIA to remove cut off bar from #NEETPG. @PMOIndia - it will only promote corruption and high fees in private medical colleges. It is a shame that any medical body has supported this move of zero percent merit. Medical industry in India is for sale and merit is dying everyday."

In a video posted on X, he further said, "I think it's just killing merit and encouraging students who need more attention towards MBBS subjects," adding, "When we are conducting exams, bringing uniforms The whole purpose of the all-India examination was to ensure that merit is paramount and nothing else."
 

In support of:
Supporting MoHFW's decision, FORDA President Dr. Aviral Mathur issued a statement saying, "While this decision has received mixed reviews, its potential benefits need to be acknowledged. The upcoming exam presents a different pattern, and this change in eligibility may help. Clear the backlog effectively. . Further, it is important to clarify that vacant seats are open to all, and allocation is not automatic; candidates have a choice to accept or decline."

"Qualifying for the counseling process does not naturally imply a reduction in the quality of future doctors. The result largely depends on the dedication and commitment of the students and there is a long way ahead of them. I believe the Ministry of Health has valid reasons for this decision. , which can serve the larger interest of aspiring doctors and the healthcare system," the statement added.

UDFA National President Dr. Lakshya Mittal said, as quoted by EdexLive, "The revision of the cut off to zero should not be viewed negatively as admission to PG seats will still be based on merit. However, with this amendment, it can be ensured that every year Thousands of vacant non-clinical seats can now be filled by newly qualified students who are willing to take admission this academic year."

Speaking about the pros and cons of zero cut-off in NEET PG 2023 counselling, Health Activist and National Zonal Coordinator IMA -MSN Dr. Dhruv Chauhan said, quoted by EdexLive, "Only those who have money in their hands will become specialists because the rest will not get a seat even if they have good merit if they don't have money. A student who scores 400 and a student who scores 0 The student will be equal indicating the death of the eligible candidates.”

Raising Concerns:
Concerned by the new move, foreign medical graduates demanded a transfer for Ukraine-Russia affected students to another country to complete their studies.