West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asked the State Health Department to consider a proposal to start a shorter diploma course for medical practitioners. The remark sparked a row with political parties in the Opposition and doctors’ association raising strong objections.
“Can we start a diploma course for doctors, like engineers? A number of boys and girls will get a chance (to study medicine). It takes a long time for doctors to graduate ( under five-year degree); they have to study and work in a hospital,” Ms. Banerjee said, addressing a meeting at the State Secretariat.
The Chief Minister said that since the number of hospitals, medical colleges and beds were increasing, a “parallel system” can be created for practitioners who will run primary health centres. Ms. Banerjee asked officials of the State Health Department to look into a proposal for creation of a three-year diploma course.
