With no takers, medical colleges in TS start offering MD courses for free

Hyderabad: Hit adversely by a lack of applicants, and to keep the show running, two private medical colleges in the state have started offering non-clinical postgraduate courses free of cost.

According to a notice issued by MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) in Medchal, the institute is offering MD in anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and pharmacology for free. In a double delight for students, they are also providing free accommodation once students take admission in any of the courses.

A source at the institute said the reason for the move was the fact that for quite some years, no student had been enrolling in pre-clinical courses in the college.

This ‘free’ approach is being emulated by RVM Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre (RVMIMS & RC) in Siddipet district. It has issued a notice stating that NEET PG qualified students can opt for any of six MD courses free of cost. The bonus comes in the form of free accommodation.

Commenting on the phenomenon, president of Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA) Dr K Mahesh Kumar said the offer was for non-clinical courses, for which the demand is considerably less compared to clinical courses.

“This year, as NEET PG counselling was delayed, many students are inclined to wait for a few more months and attempt NEET again, instead of joining a course straightaway,” Dr Kumar said.

He added that the government was focusing on increasing the number of seats for non-clinical PG courses as it was easier and the infrastructure needs were less.