New Delhi- The PMO today issued an order postponing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, NEET PG 2021 by at least 4 months.
The postgraduate medical exam stands postponed till August ends in order to make the medical personnel available for COVID-19 as the healthcare infrastructure in the country is already overburdened with cases of the novel coronavirus skyrocketing and spiraling out of control with every passing day.
The PMO also ensured the aspirants that a one-month prior notice will be given to them before the exams.
"A decision was taken to postpone NEET-PG for at least 4 months and the exam will not be held before 31st August 2021. Students will also be given at least one month of time after announcement of exam before it is conducted. This will make a large number of qualified doctors available for Covid duties," the Health Ministry issued in a statement.
The PMO also announced that medical personnel- MBBS graduates, medical interns, nurses, etc. completing hundred days of COVID-19 duties will be given priority in forthcoming regular government recruitments and 'Prime Minister's Distinguished Covid National Service Samman.' The order also called for medical interns to assist in COVID-19 duties under the supervision of their faculty.
Reaching out to the frontline healthcare workers for their helping hand in the fight against this deadly infectious disease, the government assured that they will be adequately vaccinated.
The final year MBBS students have been delegated teleconsultation and monitoring of mild Covid cases under the supervision of the faculty while the BSc/GNM qualified nurses have been assigned with COVID-19 nursing duties under the supervision of senior doctors and nurses.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired a meeting with top medical personnel of the country to discuss the ongoing COVID-19 situation and ways to combat the disease.
Earlier on April 15, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Union Health Minister postponed the NEET PG Exam as India was going through a massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the second wave of the pandemic. The minister said that the decision had been taken keeping in mind the well-being of the young medical students.
Also read- Meghalaya Govt Issues Guidelines for Opening of Essential Shops During Containment Measures