The future of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPS) courses in Maharashtra hangs in the balance as the state medical education department has yet to make a decision. A Hindustan Times report mentioned that in the midst of this uncertainty, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has taken action by conducting inspections of CPS-affiliated institutions in the state, even after some institutions refused inspections last year.
MMC Inspections and Contemplation of CPS Course Discontinuation
While the state education department ponders the possibility of discontinuing CPS courses in Maharashtra, the MMC has stepped in to conduct inspections. A senior official from the MMC revealed that several of the institutions that had initially refused inspections last year have now allowed MMC inspections. The inspections, which began last week, have focused on hospitals offering CPS-affiliated diplomas in child health and obstetrics and gynecology courses. The inspection process is expected to conclude shortly, with a subsequent report to be submitted.
Previous Inspections Unveiled Issues
During the previous round of inspections conducted by the MMC, concerning CPS-affiliated courses in Maharashtra, 74 institutions declined inspections while two were found to be non-operational. Among the remaining 44 hospitals inspected, the MMC's team identified significant infrastructural and faculty deficiencies, as well as violations of the National Medical Commission's (NMC) minimum standards.
MMC Inspections Commence
Dr. Girish Maindarkar, president of the CPS, confirmed that MMC inspections began a few days ago. Notably, the institutions had individually expressed their willingness to undergo MMC inspections in June. The CPS has been informed that the inspections are underway, and they eagerly await the final report.
Concerns Raised and Advocacy for CPS Course Discontinuation
Based on the MMC's findings, medical secretary Ashwini Joshi sent two letters to the Union Health Ministry, highlighting the state of affairs at CPS and advocating for the discontinuation of admissions to its courses. The letters emphasized that CPS courses offer a total of 1,028 seats in Maharashtra, including standalone hospitals that lack government permission.
Intervention and Rebuttals
In response to the concerns raised by Joshi, the association of CPS-affiliated institutes sought the intervention of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Gadkari subsequently wrote a letter to Chief Secretary Manukumar Srivastava, alleging that Joshi had a reputation for creating obstacles. In defense, Joshi's office sent a rebuttal to Srivastava, citing examples from Rajasthan and Gujarat where admissions to CPS courses had been halted.
Legal Challenges and Ongoing Proceedings
Following the issuance of a show-cause notice to the CPS on March 14, CPS representatives met with Joshi. However, further clarifications were requested, and a second hearing date was scheduled for March 24. The CPS challenged the show-cause notice in the Bombay High Court, but their petition was dismissed. Meanwhile, the state medical education department continued to issue show-cause notices. The hearings in the CPS case have concluded, and a judgment from the medical education department is expected in the coming week.
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