Students of the M.Sc. Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry courses at the Palayad campus of Kannur University alleged that the indefinite hunger strike now on by the M.Sc. MLT (Medical Laboratory Technology) students of the university, seeking the removal of two teachers in the university, would adversely affect their academic prospects.
The M.Sc. MLT students started the strike on Monday, demanding appointment of postgraduates in MLT as teachers for their course as against postgraduates in Microbiology and Biochemistry, citing it as a criterion in obtaining registration for the course, which has not been approved by the Kerala Paramedical Council and Clinical Laboratory Professional Association.
Members of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry Students (AMMBS) told a press meet here on Tuesday that though a government order dated May 15 had termed them ineligible to be appointed as tutors for degree, diploma, and postgraduate courses in Medical Laboratory Technology, this was later revised in an order by the Health and Family Welfare Department of the State on May 28 that said they cannot be appointed as tutors in MLT courses in government institutions.
They said universities, which were statutory bodies, did not fall under this category.
The Vice Chancellor had appointed a three-member panel to look into the matter. The strike was untimely as a report in this direction was still awaited, they said.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Students Association of Medical Lab Technology (SAMT) said their strike had been temporarily called off after receiving assurance about a discussion with the VC and the Syndicate members on July 31.
