MARD appeals to PM to prevent their academic loss

Mahashra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has appealed to the Prime Minister to consider their services for Covid19 pandemic, as requisitioned by the Government, with different designations.

The extension of internships for six months should not adversely affect their degree, post-graduation, Super Speciality or Diploma acquisition tenure.

In the letter MARD has mentioned the term for consideration by PM, other authorities. The contents of the letter is being produced here.

Copies of the letter have marked for Medical Commission, Maharashtra Chief Minister, Health Ministers of Centre and State, MUHS VC and others.

1. Regarding the extension of MD, MS, DM, MCH, DNB, DNB-55 courses beyond the fired tenure of 3-years: The mentioned speciality courses (MD/MS/DNB) and super-specialty courses (DM, MCh, DNB-55) are for a tenure of three years. Before the pandemic, an extension of 6-months would be handed out as punishment for failing in the exams, or for poor attendance. Tragically and comically, the current forced extension of the exam-going residents is akin to imposing failure’ for no fault of our own. Hence it is requested that residents completing three years of their tenure will continue their services, however, with a new designation MDMS/DNB residents who have completed three years of tenure may Kindly be allowed to continue their services under the designation of Senior Resident, till the time that a new batch of students join. b. DMMCH/DNB-SS residents who have completed three years of tenure may kindly be allowed to continue their services under the designation of Assistant Professor, till the time that a new batch of students join c. Diploma post-graduate students would usually do a tenure of 2 years. However, many have been serving three-years due to the pandemic and postponement of their exams. Hence, it is requested that they be rightfully be considered on par with MDMS students whose tenure in three years. The above is requested with a sincere reason. If tenures of residents are extended arbitrarily, they could be exploited as the employing institutions are aware that these stranded students have no-where to go till their exams are done Resident doctors have been doing the bulk of work in covid wards in government and private medical colleges.

2. Regarding our request for waiver of examinations in these difficult times These are unprecedented times. No one could have imagined a catastrophe of this sort would engulf our nation. We hence understand that the Prime Minister has suggested unprecendented measures to impose extension of tenure of resident doctors. We do realize that the second wave has been more lethal than the first wave. In these unprecendented circumstances, we request and pray that the government consider an ane-time exemption of examination and confer the due degrees without delay. With our degrees, we will loyally commit outseives to work till the next batches join. Medical exams require years of preparations, which in the current circumstances have been hindered by our dedication towards covid care. Many of us have suffered covid-infections and have been out of action of weeks as a result. Given that we have, and continue to work towards the mitigation of the covid crisis, we are confident that our benevolent Prime Minister will consider heeding our request towards exemption of exam for this current situation.
3. Regarding our message of solidarity with the beloved people of our land We take this opportunity to reinforce our solidarity with our respected and beloved Prime Minister in these difficult times.