Andhra Pradesh: PGs Seek Clarity on Senior Residency Posts in Government Medical Colleges
An AIQ student told Deccan Chronicle that denying SR opportunities will adversely affect their academic future. The student asked the government to ensure a fair and uniform policy.
Kurnool: Postgraduate medical students in Andhra Pradesh, who have completed their PG courses, are awaiting clarity on appointments to Senior Residency (SR) posts in government medical colleges of the state. The uncertainty is particularly affecting those admitted under the All India Quota (AIQ).
Principals of government medical colleges across AP are awaiting clear instructions from the Director of Medical Education (DME) on whether AIQ candidates are eligible for SR appointments.
At present, a distinction exists between the State Quota and AIQ candidates. Students admitted under the State Quota are bound by a mandatory condition at the time of PG admission, requiring them to serve for at least one year in government hospitals after completion of their course. They execute a bond to this effect.
However, AIQ candidates are not subject to this condition. No service bonds are taken from them. There is thus an ambiguity in appointing AIQ candidates as SRs, despite an acute shortage of senior residents in medical colleges.
Its impact is evident on the ground. At Kurnool Medical College alone, there is a requirement for 106 SRs. But only 43 have been appointed so far. Notably, all the appointees are State Quota PG graduates. The large number of vacancies unfilled is increasing the workload on existing staff.
Excluding AIIMS, Mangalagiri; Andhra Pradesh has 18 medical colleges, including Padmavathi Women’s Medical College. Across these institutions, an estimated 1,500 senior residents are required. Many Telugu students, though natives of Andhra Pradesh, have secured PG seats under the All India Quota on merit. For them, the current uncertainty poses a serious career hurdle. Completion of at least one year of senior residency is mandatory to be eligible for the posts of assistant professors in government medical colleges.
Several representations have been submitted to college principals seeking inclusion of AIQ candidates in SR appointments. Kurnool Medical College principal Dr Chitti Narsamma said clarity from the DME is awaited. “At present, only 43 senior residents have been appointed. Further appointments will depend on the directions issued by the DME,” she said.
An AIQ student told Deccan Chronicle that denying SR opportunities will adversely affect their academic future. The student asked the government to ensure a fair and uniform policy.
