Kerala - Kozhikode   

University status sought for Kozhikode Medical College

By Our Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE, SEPT. 19. The Kozhikode Medical College unit of Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA) has demanded deemed university status or functional autonomy for the college.

In a memorandum submitted to the Health Minister, K.K.Ramachandran, the association pointed out that it would submit a detailed project report if the Government granted autonomy to the college. The report, KGMCTA claims, would lessen the financial burden of the Government, besides ensuring best patient care and international academic standards. The proposed project would also open up more research in enhancing patient and healthcare in the State.

Recommendations

The memorandum, while assuring the Minister all help for improving Kozhikode Medical College and State medical education, said that a unified control was necessary for the College and the hospitals under it for improving the day-to-day functioning. It suggested that all staff working in the institution be brought under the Principal\Director of the college.

It suggested utilisation of funds allotted on a priority basis and advocated transparency for it. On the purchase of medicines, which was pointed out as inappropriate in many respects and not suited to local needs and priorities, it called for separate central purchase committees for each medical colleges.

It said the Hospital Development Society (HDS) should be made a large body with more representation. It said the Prinicipal should replace the District Collector as chairman of the HDS. Also, representatives from major departments of the college should be included in the committee. The KGMCTA should also be represented in additional to the present representation to people's representatives.

It observed that the present staff pattern was grossly inadequate as it was meant to cater to the needs of the college when it had started functioning years ago. Many vacancies of doctors, nurses, nursing assistants and sweepers were lying vacant.

Non-recognition

The shortage of staff and equipment in various departments had even led to the Medical Council of India (MCI) not giving recognition to some of the courses offered by the college. The MCI, in its inspection reports in 1998 and 2004, pointed to the gross deficiency of teaching staff in many departments of the college. Urgent steps have to be taken, including filling up of existing posts and creating necessary ones as per MCI norms, for the continuance of recognition of MBBS and PG courses. Also, deficiency of teaching staff had taken a toll on the teaching process by increasing the workload of existing teachers.

A proposal for the creation of 35 posts has been already forwarded to the Principal Secretary, Health Department.

It demanded filling up of senior vacant posts through promotion on the next day of retirement itself.

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University status sought for Kozhikode Medical College

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