Editor,
It is a very disappointing that the selection of MBBS doctors for undergoing Post Graduate Studies at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Manipur for 2014 has caused unnecessary chaos. We are far away from having a medical college of our own for MBBS courses, not to talk about the PG college. The sponsored PG seats at RIMS, Imphal which are meant exclusively for government doctors in Meghalaya have been a source of inspiration for us doctors. It is an incentive for doctors to join government service, apart from the fact that doctors sponsored for MBBS by the government are bound to do so, and more importantly to serve the people . But the recent irresponsible decisions made by the Selection Committee, constituted for this purpose has greatly disappointed the vast majority of doctors, especially those serving in rural areas. As doctors employed in rural areas with minimum man power it is practically difficult to study and compete against doctors who have just passed out or have just joined their service, unless we, neglect our duties.
For years it has been the wisdom and integrity of the previous officials in authority to send candidates who have at least completed three years of service with the state government, although, loopholes have managed to creep in due to political interference. There is also a provision in the service rules, that a doctor sponsored by the government should have completed at least three years of service at the time of applying. In fact this is the basis behind the idea of sponsorship. But here we are yet to learn the basics. This year, it is learnt that under some political pressure, rules have been bent to favour the privileged ones. Candidates who have not even completed a year of service have been secretly and hurriedly sent by the government while some doctors have not even been allowed to submit their forms simply because they are a few months short of the mandatory 3 years of service. No copy has been given to any, lest their foul play is exposed before time. Indeed, in the past, candidates falling short of the required number of years of service have been sent , but only when the number of applicants fell short of the number of available seats. But this year, this is not the case .It is high time that concerned doctors come together to formulate some rules so that decisions are not made at the whims and fancies of these inefficient and irresponsible authorities .The concerned authorities should understand that this will severely discourage doctors to join government service or even to continue their services. If the Government has committed this mistake without pre-meditation, it should immediately send a letter cancelling the names of undeserving candidates sent to RIMS Imphal.
Yours etc.
An aggrieved doctor
(Name withheld on request)
