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Cuttack, June 6: The Orissa High Court Saturday directed the Medical Council of India (MCI) and Union health ministry to ensure that at least two officials of the rank of secretary are present during a hearing on June 22, 2015, on a petition filed by Rohan Kumar Mohanty and Debendra Sutar, both residents of Cuttack on starting haematology course in SCB Medical College and Hospital here.
The petitioners stated that haematologists, who treat disorders such as haemophilia and lymphoma, besides doing blood transfusion, bone marrow and stem cell therapy, play a key role.
“The principal and dean of SCB Medical College and Hospital had submitted an application before the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the ministry of health and family welfare, government of India for starting DM courses in clinical haematology from the academic session 2014-15 at SCB Medical College to cater to students who opt for higher studies in haematology as well as to the need of the people of Orissa and neighbouring states,” the petition stated.
MCI had deputed a qualified assessor to assess the availability of manpower, infrastructure and facilities required for starting the course, the petition stated. “The assessor visited the department and after verifying all the records , documents and faculty position submitted a report that the department has four teachers out of whom two are qualified as PG teachers as per MCI norms. All the faculty members are MDs with special training in clinical haematology,” it said.
After receipt of the report, MCI pointed out certain deficiencies and the under secretary to the Union ministry of health and family welfare requested the principal to appear in person or depute an authorised representative to present the compliance report of deficiencies pointed out for starting a DM course in clinical haematology,” the petition stated.
The petitioner stated that the course will immensely benefit patients at SCB Medical College and Hospital who depend on it for quality healthcare.