look news india
The Supreme Court on Friday clarified that seats in medical courses cannot be left vacant. The Court has directed the Central Government to hold a meeting with the States and other concerned stakeholders. This instruction was given in case of vacant seats in super specialty medical courses.
Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K.V. Vishwanathan’s bench said,
“It is not acceptable for medical seats to remain vacant.”
The apex court asked the Center to consider the recommendations of the already constituted committee on this issue and directed to find a solution soon.
Problem of super specialty seats
In April 2023, the Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognizance of the vacancy of super specialty medical seats.
- According to the report, 1,003 super specialty seats remained vacant as admissions could not be done on them.
- These courses aim to provide in-depth expertise in specific areas of medicine.
- The court expressed concern that on one hand there is a shortage of specialist doctors, while on the other hand such important seats are lying vacant.
Committee’s recommendations and further action
The Central Government had constituted a committee under the chairmanship of the Director General of Health Services to solve this problem.
- It involved all stakeholders including representatives of states and private medical colleges.
- On Friday, the Centre’s counsel told the court that the committee has submitted its recommendations.
The Court said that the Center should now consider these recommendations and present a concrete proposal by meeting with the concerned stakeholders.
Deadline and next hearing
The Supreme Court directed the Center to take necessary steps in this matter within three months.
- Meanwhile, the court scheduled the next hearing of the case for April 2025.
Court’s comment
The court said,
“The issue of shortage of specialist doctors and seats remaining vacant is serious. It is necessary to ensure that no seat is left vacant, so that medical services can be strengthened in the country.”