Medical varsity directed to permit 4 students to undergo MBBS internship

The Madras High Court has directed Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University to permit four students to undergo MBBS internship.

Passing interim orders on writ petitions by G.M. Varadharajan and three others challenging certain regulations of the university, Justice P. Jyothimani ordered notice and posted the matter for April 11.

He said the petitioners should be allowed to undergo internship without prejudice to the contentions of the parties, making it clear that it did not confer any equity on the petitioners.

In his petition, filed through counsel S. Thanka Sivan, Mr. Varadharajan stated that he is a final year MBBS student in Government Stanley Medical College.

Marks distribution changed

Recently, the university changed the mode of distribution of marks contrary to the Medical Council of India (MCI) regulations for graduate medical education in so far as ‘General Surgery' was concerned.

As per MCI's regulations, for obtaining a ‘pass' in General Surgery, a candidate should obtain 50 per cent in theory, including oral, and 50 per cent in practical (clinical.)

According to the impugned guidelines, the medical university has stipulated that the total number of marks for practical will be 150. It divided the same into Clinical Surgery Clinical (practical) -100 marks, with a minimum requirement of 50, and Ortho Clinical (practical) - 50 marks with a minimum requirement of 25.

As per MCI regulations, he had cleared the final year examination in General Surgery paper as he had obtained 50 per cent each in theory and oral and 50 per cent in practical/clinical. In view of the impugned guidelines, he had been declared ‘failed' by the university. The impugned guidelines were “arbitrary and highhanded,” and contradictory to MCI regulations.