Government mulls new Gujarat medical research council

Now, doctors aspiring for post graduate degree courses will not have to wait too long to fulfill their desire. The state government is working towards bringing an ordinance for the creation of a Gujarat medical research council this year, which may create new opportunities for post graduate medical courses.

The administrative formalities are likely to be completed in a month's time. State health minister Jay Narayan Vyas indicated that the government is mulling creating a state level body on the lines of the Medical Council of India, which will be empowered to approve post graduate level courses.

Vyas said, "There is a shortage of specialty doctors in the state. Moreover, the number of resident doctors is inadequate. After the formation of the state level medical council, the issue is likely to ease."

Talking about the benefits of having such a medical council, Vyas said, "Presently we have to share 50% of post graduate seats available in the state with the Centre. After the council is set up all seats approved by the council will be available for the state's students."

"At the same time the only limitation for students passing post graduate courses approved by the state medical council is that they will have to practice only in Gujarat. Moreover, they may not get any masters' degrees like DNB (Diplomate of National Board). The students completing post graduate courses from the state medical council approved institutes will be given fellowships and they will be designated as 'fellows,'" the state health minister added.