Govt to help Ukraine returned students to pursue medical course

NT Correspondent

The state government will help about 700 medical students of Karnataka who have returned to the state from war-torn Ukraine, continue their education at 60 medical colleges across the state. The deci- sion was announced after a meeting between Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K. Sudhakar and the students at Vidhana Soudha on Monday.

Clarifying that the students will not be officially absorbed into the colleges, Dr.Sudhakar said this measure is aimed to ensure that their learning and practice is continued till a solution is found. No additional fee will be charged from the students.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, the minister said a high-level committee has been formed consisting of the Principal Secretary of the Medical Education Department, Director of Medical Education, RGUHS VC, Registrar, Directors and deans of some medical colleges. The committee will look into all aspects considering the academic future of the students and submit a report to the state government. Based on the report, the government will request National Medical Council (NMC) and Union Government to take necessary measures to protect the future of the students.

“We are all praying that the war ends soon. We have to see what happens in the future in Ukraine and take an appropriate decision within the existing legal and regulatory framework,” he said.

“Today I interacted with them and shared their concerns not just as a minister but as an elder brother who is concerned about their future. We are happy and relieved that we could bring them come back home safely. The Union and state governments have put in a lot of effort to bring them back safely and everyone should stay strong,’’ he added. The minister also said the students are relieved after hearing about the government’s decision on Monday.

Based on he report of the committee, a request will be made to the Union government and the National Medical Council (NMC) which will take a final decision, he said.