The DMK Party is observing a State-wide protest in Tamil Nadu over the twin suicides of a failed NEET aspirant and his father. Some shed tears, saying that NEET must be abolished and we must be back in the clutches of the private medical colleges of politicians. It is a poll promise of the DMK, which after winning the elections has moved resolutions twice in the TN Assembly, with the TN Governor steadfastly refusing to give assent to the bill.
It is indeed sad when a student commits suicide after failing in his attempts to pass the NEET exams. It is indeed sad when the father of the dead student also ends his life. Such suicides, however, cannot be a reason to cancel NEET in one sweep. Stating that only those who can afford expensive tuition can pass NEET is incorrect, as we also come across news of the poorest of the poor rural children passing NEET with flying colours out of their own efforts and without any external assistance.
The protests seem to be political and another whipping opportunity against a unified scheme for medical entrance. I have two questions: This year, more than 16 IAS aspirant students in Kota have committed suicide. According to the government, 33 students who committed suicide were from IITs, followed by NITs (24) and IIMs (4). Should we scrap all the entrance exams?
Will all politicians be mandated to get medical treatment only in government hospitals with doctors from reservation quotas treating them? Leave medicine out of silly protests, citing caste, community, or any other reason. We need world-class doctors, without whom we cannot have better health in the nation.
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
