Panjab University syndicate to take call on increasing MBBS seats at GMCH

CHANDIGARH: A three-member Panjab University committee has recommended granting temporary affiliation to increase MBBS seats from 100 to 150 at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, for the 2019-20 session. The inspection report will be tabled for ratification in the Syndicate meeting which is scheduled for March 16.

The committee, comprising Amod Gupta, chairperson, department of ophthalmology , PGIMER; Prof B S Bhoop, professor at University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS) and Prof Jagat Bhushan, subject expert, MBBS, Dr Harvansh Singh Judge Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Panjab University, had carried out an inspection on January 30.

“There are adequate number of permanent staff members, administrative support, library store, required laboratories, staff rooms, lecture rooms, conference hall, auditorium and staff as per the specification of the Medical Council of India (MCI).

The inspection committee also found sufficient land and building (63.30 acre), residential complex for doctors and other staff,” stated the report, recommending that temporary extension of affiliation should be granted for increase in MBBS seats from 100 to 150 for the 2019-20 session at the GMCH-32.

After the inspection committee report was received, Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof Raj Kumar issued an order on February 11, 2019, that the report should be placed before the Syndicate for approval.

Moreover, the Syndicate will also discuss a proposal to grant full fee waiver, including tuition fee, examination fee and other charges, to the differently abled. The proposal has suggested hostel fee exemption for the differently-abled and 50% food subsidy should be provided to students, irrespective of their financial status and nature of disability.

The proposal sent by Prof Sanjeev Gautam, coordinator and grievance officer, equal opportunity cell (EO) will be tabled in the meeting.

A group of differently-abled students of the university recently wrote to Vice-Chancellor Prof Raj Kumar to implement the UGC guidelines so that no student with disabilities is denied admission to MPhil/PhD courses.