DNA Impact: Special students eligible for PG medical courses: Health Ministry

A day after DNA reported about psychiatrists raising concerns over barring people with neurosis/psychosis for PG medical admissions, the health ministry has now revised its earlier guidelines.

Minister of Health and Family welfare, JP Nadda announced on Thursday that students with any of the 21 disabilities mentioned in the Right to Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 , which also includes mental illness, can get admission to PG medical courses in the country. "Now all 21 benchmark disabilities as per the rights of persons with disabilities act, 2016 can register for admission to medical courses," said Nadda.

Mumbai-based psychiatrist, Dr Harish Shetty had written to the ministry against the earlier clause of disallowing those with neurosis/psychosis for PG medical admissions stating that the rule was unjust as mental health issues are extremely common and hence not an obstacle in the career of those who have it.

Amending the regulation for admission, the government has increased the percentage of seats for persons with disabilities from 3% to 5%, which again is in accordance with the 2016 act.

Dr Shetty said that the new guidelines were a welcome step and would help create equal opportunities for all students as per the law.

An official statement released on Wednesday stated that the registration and allotment of seats would happen after medical examination is done to ascertain the level of disability.