Jayshree Mehta is first woman Medical Council of India chief from Gujarat

Dr Jayshree Mehta, vice chancellor of Sumandeep Vidyapeeth in Waghodia near Vadodara, was appointed president of the Medical Council of India (MCI), in New Delhi, on Tuesday.

Dr Mehta was elected unopposed during a general body meeting of the MCI. With this, Dr Mehta becomes the first woman from Gujarat to head the MCI. She is also the second person from the state to hold the coveted post after Dr Ketan Desai, who had a controversial stint as the MCI chief.

She completed her MBBS from Jamnagar Medical College and MS in general surgery from MS University, Baroda. Dr Mehta was professor and head of department of general surgery at MSU but joined Sumandeep Vidyapeeth in 2003.  She has served as member of the executive council at MSU for two terms as a Congress-supported member.

“In her long career, she not only kept herself away from controversies but is also perceived as an honest professional,” said one of the doctors in Ahmedabad. Terming her as versatile, he said:

“She likes writing and has also authored a book on Gandhi. Among her colleagues, she is perceived as a kind-hearted person,” he said. Dr Mehta did not receive calls made by DNA, nor did she respond to messages send to her.  

Meanwhile, controversies surrounded soon after her election. It is alleged that she does not fulfil the age criteria for the post. Gujarat health minister Nitinbhai Patel was, however, not available for his comments on this issue.