RDA, DAK express dismay over surrendering of JK medical seats in All India Quota

Srinagar, Oct 3: Resident Doctors Association (RDA) GMC Srinagar and Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Monday in a joint statement expressed dismay over Jammu &Kashmir Government’s decision of surrendering MBBS and Postgraduate (MD/MS) seats in All India Quota from the current session.
“Pooling of medical seats will open flood gates for outsiders and will impact JK aspirants gravely,” said DAK President Dr. Nisar ul Hassan.
“Contributing medical seats in All India Quota will block job avenues for locals and will increase unemployment among doctors in JK ,”he said.
General Secretary DAK Dr Arshad Ali said non-local doctors after completing their respective courses will move back to their native places which would result in a great void in healthcare system of the region.
“Pooling would further decrease the doctor-patient ratio that would deteriorate the healthcare delivery system in J&K. It would also mean depriving the people of JK the services of specialist doctors,” he said.
President RDA Dr Junaid Rashid said the move would be detrimental to the healthcare system of the region and the biggest casualty of the pooling would be patient care.
“Participating in All India Quota for MBBS and PG seats would be against the rights and interests of JK aspirants.
General Secretary RDA Dr Faisal Rather said JK has a limited source of education and scientific exposure. A large number of students have no exposure to modern tools of education.
“With the prevailing circumstances and frequent internet blockage, it is difficult for local students to compete at All India level” he said.
Spokesperson RDA Dr Muzafar Amin Shah urged JK Government to opt out of All India Quota and keep all medical seats available for local candidates.
“JK Government recently has decided to participate in AIQ counselling from this year and contribute 50% of post graduate & 15% of MBBS seats to All India Quota,” he said.
“Earlier, J&K has been reserving all the medical seats for local students and opting out of AIQ,” he added.