Faculty shortage sparks protest at Asifabad Government Medical College

Students of Government Medical College Asifabad protest on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Students of the Government Medical College in Asifabad staged a protest on Thursday over “acute shortage of faculty” at the institution. They alleged that their classes were being conducted by interns and Senior Residents (SRs) instead of qualified teachers, and therefore, severely impacting the quality of education.

The college, which has 100 MBBS seats, is one of the nine government medical colleges inaugurated by former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao in September 2023. Currently, two batches of students are enrolled, and both joined the protest to voice their grievances.

“In our first year, we were assured that faculty would be hired soon. Now, in second year also, we find that interns and SRs, despite their knowledge, lack the teaching skills necessary for us to grasp the concepts,” said a second-year MBBS student.

The students also pointed out that crucial departments, including Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dermatology and Ophthalmology, are yet to be established. Besides, they expressed concern over the impending end of tenure of the interns and SRs, currently teaching them.

Highlighting issues in the Forensic Medicine department, a student said, “Three months into our academic year, we have not received a single cadaver for dissection. The National Medical Commission (NMC) mandates a minimum of eight cadavers, but we have none.”

The students further criticised the lack of professors, assistant professors, associate professors, heads of departments, and qualified lab technicians. They complained about irregular classes, insufficient lab equipment, and poor sanitation in classrooms and washrooms, and submitted a representation outlining their grievances to the principal and District Collector.

“This is not our first attempt. We’ve made numerous representations over the past two years, but no action has been taken,” said another student.

When contacted by The Hinduprincipal Dr. Sri Lakshmi acknowledged the issues raised by students. “Currently, we have only four teachers, which is far below the required number,” she admitted.

As per NMC guidelines, a medical college with 100 MBBS seats requires 82 faculty for the first year, and 117 for the second year. Calls and messages to Director of Medical Education Dr. N. Vani for comments went unanswered.