PG medical exams to go ahead, students oppose
The postgraduate medical exams conducted by the Kaloji Narayan Rao university of health sciences (KNRUHS) will begin from June 20, despite opposition from the students.
One of the students, who contracted Covid-19, has written to Governor, Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, and university Vice Chancellor Dr B. Karunakar Reddy requesting them to consider not holding the exams until the situation gets better.
The student spoke of the mental agony of students: “To prepare for exams in such an atmosphere is simply not possible. I am not able to concentrate on studying for the exams. I fear that I may not perform well and risk losing an academic year because of an unfortunate incident,” the letter said.
The student said that he would not be able to attend the first two exams because those who are infected have to be in twoweek home quarantine after getting discharged. “I have suffered a lot and don't want anyone else to face the same,” the student added.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a PG doctor said that those who tested positive have recovered but are ill-prepared for the exam due to the mental pressure their condition put on them.
“We will miss two exams, we haven’t been able to prepare at such short notice. On top of that, the social stigma of those who have been infected is indescribable,” the student said.
On whether there have been any provisions for counselling, the doctor said, “Even though a psychologist did the rounds, I didn't take the service because I didn't need it. That doesn't take away from the fact that the tension of approaching exams and going home after discharge affected me a lot.”
Meanwhile, Osmania Medical College principal Dr Shashikala Reddy said that she will be addressing all students next week, as demanded by them.
On postponing the exams, she said, “The VC is of the view that the pandemic is only going to worsen and we don't want to jeopardise the future of these professionals or disturb the academic year.”
Reddy said that the students were from the medical field and know what the situation that they are in is. Hence they have not been provided any counselling from the college.