AP college junior docs protest extension of MBBS course

Tirupati, Nov 30 (UNI) The junior doctors of the SVIMS College today abstained from duty in protest against the Centre's move to extend the MBBS course by an year by including one year compulsory rural service.

Talking to newspersons here, Medicos Association Secretary Pradeep and General Secretary Sivasankar clarified the medicos were not against serving in rural areas as part of the existing five and half year course. They were only opposing the extension of the course duration.

At least 800 doctors, led by Mr Pradeep and Mr Sivasankar, took out a rally from the college criticising the Centre's move.

They alleged the government was contemplating to extend the course duration to avoid recruitment of qualified doctors in these areas.

They warned of an intensified agitation if the government did not drop the move.

UNI