The Supreme Court has declared that medical seats in colleges cannot be left vacant. The court has asked the Central Government to take this issue with the state governments and other parties concerned for an appropriate solution. The court has also asked the central government to consider the suggestions of a committee formed for this purpose which studies this matter.
Important Highlights
- In April 2023, the Supreme Court expressed its concern that over 1,000 seats in super-specialty medical departments went vacant. The court said there was a contradiction between the absence of doctors in such critical areas and the unfilled seats in medical colleges.
- Government's Action: The Central Government has constituted a committee headed by Director General of Health Services. It consists of members from the states as well as private medical colleges. It is supposed to probe and make suggestions that can help alleviate the situation.
- Current Developments: The Central Government has brought this recent committee recommendation to the notice of the Supreme Court, thus suggesting that something is being done.
Supreme Court Orders
A bench headed by Justices BR Gavai and KV Vishwanathan, while hearing this case, categorically said that medical seats cannot lie vacant. It said a specific proposal will emerge as a result of discussion with all the stakeholders.
Timeline for Disposal
- The Supreme Court directed the Centre to ensure the disposal of this case within three months. The bench has rescheduled fresh hearing for April to track progress.
- The proactive stance of the court calls for prompt attention to this gap between demand and supply regarding the training for healthcare professionals.
