HC seeks Medical Council of India stand on compulsory rural service

HC seeks Medical Council of India  stand on compulsory rural service

HYDERABAD: The AP High Court on Friday sought the stand of the Medical Council of India (MCI) on the petition which opposed compulsory government/rural/tribal services for the postgraduate medical students.

Justice Noushad Ali was dealing with a petition filed by two students -- K Manasa and K Siva Satya Prasun -- seeking a stay on the government fiat that makes it mandatory for PG medical students to render government/rural services under the TRRIP (Tribal Rural Rejuvenation Implementation Project) for the year 2013.

The petitioners' counsel said that the action of the state government in imposing condition of rural service on the students who completed their courses under the self-financing scheme without any support was illegal and arbitrary. Such a condition could be made applicable in respect of government sponsored/funded students, he contended.

As per a government notification, all the postgraduate doctors (non-service) who completed their degree/deploma courses on or before June 15, 2012 have to render compulsory government service for a period of one year under the TRRIP. Noting that there was lack of required infrastructure in rural areas, the counsel requested the court to set aside the GOs concerned.

The judge then directed the counsel representing MCI to get instructions on the issue and adjourned the case hearing to Wednesday.