In a significant development, The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA), representing resident doctors across India, has appealed to the Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to lower the cut-off marks for the NEET PG 2023 exam. This move comes as a response to the ongoing challenges faced by the medical education system in India, particularly in terms of vacant seats in medical institutions. FORDA believes that reducing the cut-off scores is vital for both the healthcare system and the future of medical professionals in the country.
The Need for Lower Cut-off Scores
FORDA, in its letter to the Health Minister, expressed deep concern about the persisting issue of vacant seats in medical colleges and institutions despite multiple rounds of counseling for NEET PG. The association emphasized that this problem not only affects the healthcare system but also impacts aspiring medical professionals who are eager to contribute to the nation’s health infrastructure.
FORDA humbly requested the authorities to consider the possibility of lowering the cut-off score for the NEET PG 2023 examination. Their rationale is that a reduced cut-off score would open up opportunities for a more significant number of eligible candidates to fill the vacant seats across various medical colleges in India.
Support from the Indian Medical Association (IMA)
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), a prominent organization representing medical practitioners in India, has also joined the call for lower cut-off scores. In a letter to Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the IMA demanded a reduction of up to 30 percent in the cut-off percentile for NEET PG 2023. This move is aimed at enabling both clinical and non-technical branches to fill the available seats efficiently.
The IMA emphasized the critical role played by doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic, working tirelessly to save lives. They believe that it is time for the administration to acknowledge this selfless service by reducing the cut-off marks for NEET PG 2023. Lowering the cut-off scores would not only benefit aspiring doctors but also address the issue of vacant seats effectively.
Preventing Brain Drain
One of the key concerns raised by FORDA and IMA is the phenomenon of “brain drain.” Due to high cut-off scores, many aspiring medical students are compelled to seek education abroad for their postgraduate studies. This trend not only deprives India of potential medical talent but also contributes to the depletion of the country’s medical manpower pool.
FORDA and IMA jointly urged the government to recognize the importance of retaining these talented individuals within India. At a time when the country needs a strong and dedicated medical workforce, losing these “precious gems” to foreign institutions is a significant setback.
Conclusion
The appeal from resident doctors’ associations and the Indian Medical Association to lower the NEET PG 2023 cut-off scores highlights a pressing issue within India’s medical education system. Lowering these scores can help address the problem of vacant seats in medical colleges, ensure a more diverse pool of medical professionals, and prevent the brain drain of talent to foreign shores. It is a plea for a stronger healthcare system and a brighter future for aspiring doctors in India.