The Hindu : Visually challenged becomes a doctor, thanks to NHRC

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 24, 2004

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National

Visually challenged becomes a doctor, thanks to NHRC

By J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI, MARCH 23. A visually challenged person's dream of becoming a doctor came true after the National Human Rights Commission helped fight his case.

The student, C.S.P. Anka Toppo, was awarded the MBBS degree at the convocation here on March 13.

Toppo had been selected for the MBBS course at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi in 1989.

After passing his first and second professional examinations, Toppo was to appear in the final examination in December 1993 when he developed problems in his eyes in September 1993. This gradually reduced his vision and eventually he became totally blind.

As a result of his physical condition, the Medical Council of India refused him permission to take the examination. Toppo then approached the Commission stating that he had been denied permission to appear for the final examination conducted by the AIIMS in May 2001 for ``want of approved guidelines'' from the Council.

He also alleged harassment by the faculty and misinformation in order to prevent him from writing the final examination, even though he claimed he could read the normal books required for the course with the help of a computer and a scanner.

The Commission issued notice to AIIMS on Toppo's petition, marking the beginning of a crusade for justice for the visually challenged.

Discussing the case with the authorities at AIIMS, the Commission drew attention to similar instances in other countries over the years of persons suffering physical impairment being able to successfully complete their MBBS course. The Commission also elaborated on the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 that comprises statutory provisions to provide persons with disabilities with equal opportunities in all matters, including the acquisition of knowledge and employment.

It managed to persuade the examining body to amend the examination procedure to enable Toppo to appear at the final examination, and he cleared it.

Again on the intervention of the Commission, he was allowed to complete his internship and he was awarded the degree.

In the light of the experience of this case, the Commission was informed by AIIMS that an exercise had been undertaken to work out a methodology, which could be adopted in all similar cases in future so that there was a system in position which could be put into practice each time such a situation arose.

The Commission also called on the Council to perform a similar exercise so that the same facility and system is made available in other medical institutions of the country as well.

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