Medical student cries foul over unrecognized college

A student studying in a private medical institute in Erode has alleged that the institute was offering an unauthorised ‘medical’ course.

According to C Balasubramaniam, a final-year Bachelor of Electropathy Medicine and Surgery (BEMS) student of the Ragavendra Medical Institute of Electropathy and Hospital at Senapathypalayam here, filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act recently with the Tamil Nadu Homoeopathy Medical Council regarding the recognition of the four-and-a-half-year course.

“The college had through its catchy advertisements claimed that a BEMS degree would qualify one to practice as a doctor on a par with MBBS, BHMS, BSMS, and BAMS degree holders. However, the Tamil Nadu Homoeopathy Medical Council, in its RTI reply, clarified that BEMS was not recognised either by the State or the Central Governments,” he said in a petition submitted to the District Collector on Monday.

“According to the college, their degree is approved by the Naturo Electro Homoeopathy Medicos of India (NEHM of India), which is authorised by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. But the Tamil Nadu Homoeopathy Medical Council has clearly stated that NEHM of India was not a government-recognised body to run medical courses,” he added.

Balasubramaniam said the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University and the Directorate of Medical Education too had informed him that the course was not recognised. He appealed to the Collector to initiate action against the institution for offering an unrecognised course.

Institute correspondent Balakrishnan denied the charges.  He said the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry has authorised NEHM of India to approve the course.

“The NEHM frames curriculum, holds exam and gives the certificates. This is only a certificate course. Those completing it have been practicing electro homeopathy,” he said.

 “The Supreme Court has allowed R&D activities in the NEHM. The Apex Court has also asked an expert committee to submit a report on the NEHM. All the information are mentioned in the certificate issued by the NEHM,” Balakrishnan said further, in his reply.