TN CM Stalin writes to PM against introducing NExT for medical students

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has expressed his strong opposition to the National Exit Test (NExT) in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Union Health Ministry recently announced the implementation of the National Exit Test starting from 2024. This test aims to replace the final year MBBS examination and the National Eligibility Entrance Test - Post Graduation, serving as a qualifying examination for doctors seeking registration.

Stalin firmly stated in his letter that the introduction of NExT is unnecessary, advocating instead for the continuation of the existing examination system. He emphasized that NExT would not serve the best interests of the students or the state governments, which heavily fund medical institutions. According to the Chief Minister, this initiative represents yet another attempt to undermine the authority of state governments and universities in the healthcare sector, centralizing power with the central government.

Furthermore, Stalin highlighted the adverse effects of the NEET-based medical admission system under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act. He argued that this system has had a detrimental impact on the equitable, school education-based approach and its contribution to the public health system. Stalin noted that the curriculum for medical education has already been established according to the NMC's guidelines in all states.