This story is from August 20, 2019

More girls finding pulse in medical education in Gujarat

More women will wield the stethoscope and scalpels in future as the state has recorded a steady rise in girls taking admission in medical colleges across Gujarat
More girls finding pulse in medical education in Gujarat
Picture used for representational purpose only
AHMEDABAD: More women will wield the stethoscope and scalpels in future as the state has recorded a steady rise in girls taking admission in medical colleges across Gujarat. From 34% in 2014, number of women MBBS students has jumped to a record 45% this year.
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In the recently concluded medical admissions for 5,350 seats, 2,974 were claimed by boys while 2,386 went to girls. In NHL Municipal Medical College, a history of sorts was created as girls once again pipped boys in getting admission in the premier institute.
“In 250 seats, 146 girls and 104 boys have got admission,” dean of NHL college Dr Pankaj Patel told TOI.
Experts said that a number of factors is contributing to the surge in girls taking admission in MBBS courses. A key factor was the introduction of National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), a uniform, multiple-choice exam introduced as the sole basis for admission. Earlier, class XII and local entrance exam GUJCET scores were considered in 60:40 ratio.
“The number of girls getting admission in MBBS after introduction of NEET has improved considerably,” said Dr Pranesh Shah, dean of BJ Medical College, which has recorded 10% rise in the number of girls getting admission this year. The financial incentive to girls as part of ‘Kanya Kelavani’ through Mukhya Mantri Swavlamban Yojana launched by the state in 2017 where the government pays 50% of medical fee up to Rs 4 lakh has proved a major boost.
Twin sisters Rahin and Riba Hafizji, their teacher mother who earns Rs 10,000 per month, say they are a case in point. “We could not have dared to take admission self-financed college, ” said Rahin, a Gotri Medical College student.
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About the Author
Bharat Yagnik

Bharat Yagnik is special correspondent at The Times of India, Ahmedabad, and reports on education-related issues, including primary school and higher and technical education. His interest areas include travelling and has recently been to Mansarovar.

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