No NMC norms for admission of students with disabilities yet
It is not just the revised disability guidelines that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has yet to release, despite Supreme Court directions to issue them much before the MBBS admission process was to begin. There is no clarity on the number of disability assessment centres, which evaluate individuals with disabilities, determine their needs and eligibility, and accordingly reissue disability certificates.
Speaking with this paper, Dr Satendra Singh, a prominent disability activist, said, 'The NMC recently issued guidelines on student mental health, but what about the extreme stress, anxiety, and uncertainty faced by approximately 3,673 NEET-qualified candidates with disabilities?'
'The continued delay in issuing revised disability guidelines directly violates at least three Supreme Court judgments. Shouldn't the Supreme Court initiate contempt proceedings against the NMC and the DGHS (Directorate General of Health Services) for their willful non-compliance?'
Dr Singh, who has been besieged by calls and messages from parents and anxious students suffering from disabilities like locomotor disability, visual impairment, hearing impairment, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) etc, which was to be included in the new guidelines as mandated by the apex court, said NMC should have placed these guidelines at least a month before the admission process was to begin to allow stakeholders to give their feedback.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
19 minutes ago
- Hans India
Rajasthan: Kithana locals recall Jagdeep Dhankhar's lasting legacy
Jaipur: Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation as Vice President of India, citing health concerns, has sent shockwaves across the nation and especially in his native district of Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan. The announcement came unexpectedly on the very first day of the monsoon session of Parliament. Known for his dynamic leadership and administrative efficiency, Dhankhar's sudden departure has left his hometown of Kithana in a state of deep emotional unrest, with villagers gathering late into the night to discuss the news. Villager Hirendra Dhankhar recalled the Vice President's pivotal role in Kithana's transformation. Under his efforts, the village witnessed significant development - including the construction of a college, a stadium, an Ayurvedic hospital, and other key infrastructure. A survey for a National Highway passing through the village also commenced under his guidance. His family actively contributed to the local Gaushala and government schools, further enhancing the village's social and educational landscape. Kithana Sarpanch Subhita says that Dhankhar has contributed a lot to the development of the village. There is a sense of despair in the village due to this news, she added. Despite holding high offices, Dhankhar remained deeply rooted in Kithana. His wife, Sudesh Dhankhar, often visited the village, engaging with locals and following up on development projects. "Whether he remains in office or not, for us he will always be the Vice President," said villagers, many of whom were tearful upon hearing the news. Subhita said a sense of despair has engulfed the village. His nephew, Harendra Dhankhar, shared that Sudesh had mentioned during her July visit that the Vice President had recently undergone a heart operation. Jagdeep Dhankhar was born on 18 May 1951 in Kithana village, Chidawa tehsil. He completed his primary education in government schools in Kithana and Ghardana and pursued higher education at Rajasthan University, where he earned a law degree. A distinguished senior advocate in the Supreme Court, he entered public life when he won the 1989 Lok Sabha election from Jhunjhunu as a Janata Dal candidate backed by the BJP. He served as Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs from 21 April to 5 November 1990. Although he later contested the 1991 elections as a Congress candidate and lost, he was elected as an MLA from Kishangarh (Ajmer) in 1993. Prior to becoming Vice President, he served as the Governor of West Bengal. He is the second of three brothers - the elder, Kuldeep Dhankhar, owns a construction company, and the younger, Randeep Dhankhar, has served as Chairman of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC). After taking oath as the 14th Vice President of India on 11 August 2022, Dhankhar continued to maintain close ties with his home region. He visited Kithana for the first time as Vice President on 8 September 2022 and participated in various cultural and educational events. These included the Swami Vivekananda Sandesh Yatra inauguration on 19 November 2022, an interaction with students at Sainik School on 27 August 2023, temple visits to Lohargal and the Rani Sati Dadi Temple, and a student address at BITS Pilani on 27 September 2023. He also launched the 'Swachhata Hi Seva 2024' campaign in Jhunjhunu and visited Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kajda, on 20 November 2024. On 5 March 2025, he interacted with students at Mahatma Gandhi English Medium School in Sangasi and attended a relative's wedding on the same day. Known for his love for the land and his deep commitment to education, Dhankhar frequently engaged with school children. He often invited them to Delhi at government expense, encouraging them to aim high. He inspired students across institutions like Sainik School, Pilani, Sangasi, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kajda, and even donated a Smart TV to the Sangasi Government School, underscoring his belief in digital learning. However, his health began deteriorating in March 2025. He suffered a heart attack and was admitted to AIIMS Delhi on 9 March, where stents were inserted. He was discharged on 12 March, but his health again declined during a visit to Uttarakhand on 25 June, requiring immediate medical care. Although his term was set to conclude on 10 August 2027, Dhankhar resigned nearly two years early, prioritising his health based on medical advice. His resignation surprised many, especially since he had actively participated in Rajya Sabha proceedings earlier that day. In his resignation letter, he cited his decision as one made in the interest of his well-being. Historically, only two other Vice Presidents - V.V. Giri (1969) and R. Venkataraman (1987) - have resigned, both to assume the office of President. Jagdeep Dhankhar, now become the first Vice President in India's history to step down solely due to health reasons. His departure has not only created a vacuum in national politics but has also left a personal void among the people of Kithana, who will always remember him as a proud son of the soil and a lifelong source of inspiration, said locals.
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
NEET PG 2025 Exam City Intimation Slip Released, Admit Card On July 31
Last Updated: According to NBEMS, NEET PG 2025 exam will be held on August 3, 2025. This exam will be conducted in single shift in computer based mode. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has released the NEET PG 2025 exam city intimation list. To access the details, the candidates must check the SMS inbox of the phone number registered with the board. Only the names of the cities where the candidates' exam centres will be located have been released by the NBEMS. The NEET PG 2025 admit card will be made available on July 31. According to NBEMS, NEET PG 2025 exam will be held on August 3 , 2025. This exam will be conducted in single shift in computer based mode. Step 1 – Check for the message that was sent by NBEMS by going to your registered mail or mobile number. Step 2 – Make sure that all the information on the slip is correct, including your name, registration number and assigned city. Step 3 – The NEET PG test will be administered using a computer-based test mode (CBT). The exam will consist of 200 multiple-choice questions for 800 marks. Four marks will be given for each right response, and one mark will be subtracted for each incorrect response. If there is any error in the NEET PG 2025 city information slip (like state name instead of city, wrong roll number, or error in name), then candidates should lodge their complaint in the manner given below – How to lodge a complaint Helpline Number: Candidates can contact the NBEMS helpline number +91 7996165333. The service is available from 9:30 AM to 6 PM (except Sundays and gazetted holidays). NBEMS Communication Web Portal: Candidates can register their complaint through the communication web portal available on the official website of NBEMS, which will require login credentials (user ID and password). Official Website: Candidates are advised to regularly check the updates on the official website of NBEMS or If there is any error in the city slip, contact NBEMS immediately after downloading it. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
5 hours ago
- Hans India
MBBS Abroad: A practical guide for Indian students after NEET
As more than 23 lakh students vie for less than 1 lakh MBBS seats in India, a growing number of medical aspirants who appear for NEET are turning to international options to fulfill their dream of becoming doctors. Studying medicine abroad can open doors to global healthcare careers, but choosing the right college requires careful planning. Here's a practical guide to what Indian students should look for when evaluating MBBS programs abroad. Accreditation and Global Recognition The cornerstone of any reputable medical institution is its accreditation. This ensures that the curriculum meets globally recognized standards and that the degree will be accepted internationally. When evaluating medical schools, it's important to check for credentials such as approval by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) in the United States and a listing in the World Directory of Medical Schools, which is maintained through a partnership between the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER). ECFMG certification is particularly crucial for Indian students aspiring to pursue residency and practice in the United States. Similarly, recognition by the WHO (through its listing in the World Directory) often signifies that the degree is accepted in various countries worldwide. Without these recognitions, students may face significant hurdles in licensing and career progression. Therefore, verifying accreditations must be the first step in evaluating any foreign medical school. Clinical training Classroom learning must be complemented by strong clinical exposure. Look for institutions affiliated with reputed hospitals, particularly in the US or UK, as these settings provide access to advanced medical technology and a wide variety of clinical cases. Clinical rotations in these countries not only enhance skill development but also improve your chances of securing a residency. Ask about the structure and supervision of clinical rotations, duration, patient volume, and specialties covered. Quality clinical training abroad can make a significant difference in your transition from student to physician. Program Duration and Structure Medical program duration and structure differ globally. Prospective students must understand program length, preclinical/clinical phase breakdown, and teaching methods. Some countries offer shorter, intensive programs, while others have longer durations with varying specializations. Medical education in the US follows a graduate-entry model, requiring applicants to hold an undergraduate degree and take the MCAT exam, whereas several European countries offer six-year undergraduate medical programs. Caribbean institutions, conversely, often adopt a USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) focused structure involving two years of basic sciences before clinical rotations. Admission Complexity, Exams, and Acceptance Rates Admission criteria differ greatly across countries. US medical schools are highly competitive, requiring MCAT scores, a strong undergraduate GPA, and extracurricular achievements. In contrast, institutions in Eastern Europe, Russia, or the Philippines often have simpler admissions processes but may offer limited exposure to international licensure pathways. Caribbean medical schools frequently allow direct entry after high school or offer a pre-med track, supported by academic counseling. When choosing a program, students must assess their own academic background and readiness for competitive exams to select the most suitable path. Cost and Financial Aid Studying abroad is a significant financial commitment. Consider the total cost, not just tuition, but also living expenses, travel, accommodation, exam fees, and eventual residency application costs. Numerous universities provide scholarships that are awarded based on either academic performance or financial need, making it essential for students to explore these options and review the criteria for eligibility. Students should also explore education loan options from Indian banks and NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Company). Some foreign medical schools' partner with Indian lenders to simplify the loan process. Additionally, look for institutions offering flexible payment plans, which can ease the financial burden over time. A well-informed financial plan is critical to ensuring sustainability throughout your medical education. Career Pathways and Licensing Support Ultimately, the goal of pursuing medical education abroad is to become a licensed, practicing doctor. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate whether the medical school offers USMLE preparation support, has dedicated advisors and mentorship programs to assist with residency placements in the US or UK, and boasts a strong residency match rate. Additionally, it's important to look at where the alumni are currently practicing, whether in the US, UK, Canada, or India, as this reflects the institution's track record. Medical schools in the Caribbean that follow the USMLE pathway are particularly noteworthy in this context. Many of these institutions offer integrated Step 1 preparation, clinical training opportunities in US hospitals, and assistance with visas, making them structured and viable alternatives for Indian students aiming to build a medical career in North America. (The author is Country Head - India & South East Asia, Manipal's American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine)
