The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Boycott threat by Unani college students

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Boycott threat by Unani college students

J.S. Ifthekhar

Nizamia Tibbi medicos have not even seen a cadaver

SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS: Drainage overflowing at the Unani college in old city on Tuesday. — PHOTO: P.V. SIVAKUMAR

Hyderabad: Students of the Government Nizamia Tibbi College, Charminar, do not know what a cadaver looks like as they haven't seen one for the last few years. Two batches will be completing their medical course without having set eyes on a dead body. The premier Unani college doesn't have a dissection hall and a body preserving tank. As a result, the students are forced to learn their anatomy lessons with the help of a plastic model.

In their second year, when students have to attend clinical postings in various Government hospitals they are at a loss to examine patients. "We do not know where the liver or kidneys are located as we have not dissected a human body," says a first year student.

Agitated boys and girls barged into the chambers of the College principal Khaja Ghouse Mohiuddin on Tuesday demanding construction of the dissection hall at the earliest. Later, they resolved to boycott classes if the facility is not provided by next week.

Difficulties

All these years, the college had a dissection hall and every year two cadavers were provided. After construction of the new PG block last year, this facility has disappeared. In the new block, the place meant for dissection hall has been converted into a store room, it is said. College authorities admit the difficulties faced by students. "The matter is represented to Government. We are awaiting budget sanction," says Dr. Mohiuddin.

This is not all. In the absence of modern equipment, the PG students are forced to carry out various tests for their research projects either at the Osmania General Hospital or the Institute of Preventive Medicine. Similarly, for animal trials they run around National Institute of Nutrition and Osmania Medical College paying through their pockets.

"We have to purchase solvents and albino rats at our own expense," says M.A. Waheed, PG scholar.

Students have to visit the unani herbarium at Katedhan and botanical gardens on the outskirts at their own expense as the college has no transport facility. Shortage of basic drugs is another problem at the unani hospital. Medicine for such common complaints like cough, fever, pain, constipation is not available. Also routine investigations like complete blood picture, complete urine picture, random blood sugar is not done here.

Drainage

The external appearance of the college also leaves a lot to be desired. Drainage overflow and garbage mar the imposing edifice. There are also signs of wear and tear with plaster peeling off at many places.

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