Mumbai Medical Students Stage Protest Over Delayed Final Examinations
Hundreds of postgraduate medical students affiliated with courses run by the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPS) organized a significant protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Thursday. The demonstration was aimed at urging the state government to intervene and address the prolonged delay in conducting their final examinations, which has left them in a state of professional limbo.
Root Cause of the Uncertainty
The core issue traces back to 2022 when recognition for CPS diploma and postgraduate programmes was withdrawn. However, students who had secured admission during the 2021–22 academic year through the NEET-PG entrance exam were permitted to continue their studies under assurances that they would be able to complete their courses. Despite many of these students having finished their two-year programmes, their final examinations have not been held since November 2024. This delay prevents them from obtaining essential certificates and legally practicing medicine, with estimates suggesting over 2,000 candidates are currently impacted.
Personal and Financial Struggles Highlighted
One of the affected students, Dwijisha Katkar, shared her distressing experience, revealing that she paid Rs. 18 lakh in fees and completed the course but remains unable to begin medical practice due to the examination holdup. She emphasized that the matter is now pending before the Supreme Court, adding a legal dimension to the crisis. Student groups argue that those admitted through a merit-based process should not be left in such uncertainty, calling for immediate resolution.
Warnings of Escalating Protests
Representatives from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad issued a stern warning, indicating that wider protests could ensue if the government fails to address the issue promptly. The protest underscores broader concerns about the stability and reliability of medical education systems, particularly for postgraduate students who have invested significant time and resources into their careers.
