J&K Doctors Alarmed Over Reduced Open Merit Quota in NEET PG.Srinagar, Nov 25: Doctors in Jammu and Kashmir have voiced serious concerns over the sharp decline in the open merit quota for NEET PG (MD/MS) candidates. The percentage of open merit seats has dropped drastically from 75% in 2019 to just 38.5% in 2024, raising fears of long-term repercussions for the region’s healthcare sector.
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Doctors Raise Concern Over Decline in Open Merit Quota for NEET PG Aspirants in J&k
Several doctors, speaking to the Kashmir News Observer (KNO), warned that such a steep reduction in open merit seats could undermine the healthcare system and create disparities in medical education and practice.
“What is the point of keeping reserved seats in NEET PG (MD/MS) if the individual is already financially independent as a doctor? This policy undermines the meritocracy that our healthcare system relies upon,” said Dr. Saif, a local physician. “MD/MS seats should be accessible to all candidates based on merit.”
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Dr. Saif further questioned the fairness of providing postgraduate reservations to individuals who had already benefited from reservation policies during their undergraduate education. He argued that such candidates are now on equal footing with others and should compete without additional advantages.
Merit Undermined by Reservation Policies
Another doctor pointed out the disparity in seat allocation. “Out of 293 MD/MS seats in J&K, only 113 are available for open merit candidates. This is a significant blow to merit and hard work. All MBBS students receive the same education, so the competition should be equal,” he said.
The doctors highlighted how the open merit quota for NEET PG seats has plummeted from 75% in 2019 to under 40% in 2024. They expressed concern that this trend could damage the integrity of premier medical institutions.
“Excessive reservation allows undeserving candidates to secure MBBS seats, complete MD/MS programs, and even gain promotions, all due to a flawed system,” one doctor observed.
Impact on Healthcare and Professional Standards
The reduction in open merit seats has also raised questions about the quality of healthcare professionals. A senior doctor criticized the policy, stating, “The current system allows a candidate with an All India rank of 91,000 to secure a branch that a 350-rank candidate from J&K cannot access. This disparity not only demoralizes deserving candidates but also degrades the quality of healthcare.”
The doctors stressed that leadership positions in healthcare should be occupied by competent professionals. They warned that reservation-based selections are allowing unqualified individuals to become professors and consultants, which harms the healthcare sector.
Concerns Over Economic Weaker Section (EWS) Category
Another issue raised was the misuse of the Economic Weaker Section (EWS) category. Doctors questioned how individuals earning over one lakh per month could qualify for EWS-based selections as professors or associate professors.
“There should be no compromise when it comes to healthcare. Doctors selected through reservations often lack the necessary skills, leading to long-term damage to the healthcare system and our medical institutions’ legacy,” the doctors said.
Call for Policy Review
The medical professionals have urged the government to revisit the reservation policy and ensure that it benefits only those who genuinely need it. They suggested that candidates who secure undergraduate seats through reservations but fail to get postgraduate seats on merit should consider working as medical officers in underserved areas, using their reservation benefits to serve the community.
The doctors have appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health Minister Sakina Itoo to urgently address their concerns. They believe a fair and balanced reservation policy is crucial to maintaining the integrity and quality of healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir.
(Source: Kashmir News Observer)