Srinagar, September 2 (KNS) : PDP Senior Spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Tramboo expressed serious concern over the uncertain future of nearly 20,000 students who have completed or are currently pursuing the two-year Medical Assistant Course in Jammu and Kashmir, and urged the government to intervene immediately to safeguard their careers.
In a statement issued,Tramboo said that prior to 2019, the two-year Medical Assistant Course was being conducted by various colleges and educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. Students completing the course were recognised under the prevailing system and were able to seek registration as pharmacists, apply for government recruitment and obtain licences for running medical shops.
“Thousands of students joined this course with the legitimate expectation that their qualification would provide them with employment and livelihood opportunities. However, following changes in laws and regulations after 2019, their qualification is no longer being recognised for pharmacist registration, government recruitment and licences to run medical shops. This has left an entire generation of students facing a deeply uncertain future,” Tramboo said.
He said it was highly unjust to leave students in the lurch merely because the regulatory framework changed after they had already invested their time, money and years of education in a course that was being offered by recognised institutions.
Tramboo further pointed out that the Medical Assistant Course continues to be offered by some educational institutions, despite the uncertainty surrounding the professional status and future prospects of its students.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“The government must immediately clarify the status of this course and prevent more students from being pushed into an uncertain career path. At the same time, the interests of those who have already completed the course or are currently enrolled must be protected,” he said.
He demanded that the Medical Assistant Course be discontinued in its present form and that a comprehensive transition policy be framed for existing students and qualified candidates. He suggested that an appropriate equivalence or bridge-course mechanism, wherever legally permissible, should be considered so that these students can acquire a recognised pathway towards professional registration and employment.
Tramboo urged the Pharmacy Council of India, Pharmacy Council of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Secretary J&K and Secretary Health & Medical Education, J&K, to take up the issue on priority and work out a legally sustainable solution.
“The government cannot allow the future of thousands of young people to remain in darkness. These students should not become victims of a change in policy. Their education, financial investment and years of hard work must be respected. A compassionate and practical transition mechanism must be put in place immediately to safeguard their future,” Tramboo said.(KNS)