The regulators of India’s top medical education has made a statement on Pok medical education. As per the announcement, a person shall not practice medicine in India if the education qualification is received from medical colleges located in PoJKL (Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh).
The Board of Governors (BoG) issued a public notice on August 10, suppressing the Medical Council of India (MCI). It said that the entire territory of J&K and Ladakh is an integral part of India (1).
The notice further stated that,
“Pakistan is occupying a part of the territory, illegally and forcibly.”
Dr. R. K. Vats, the BoG Secretary-General, added that any medical institution in PoJKL needs the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, permission and recognition. Hence, any qualification received from PoJKL medical colleges shall not entitle a person to practice medicine in India.
Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 not granted to any PoJKL Medical College
As per the notice issue, any medical institution in Pakistan occupied regions require permission and recognition under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. However, no permits are granted by officials to any medical school located in the PoJKL.
Therefore, the notice said that if any qualification received from the illegally occupied Indian regions shall not entitle a person for the grant to practice medicine in India.
In December 2019, J&K high court had asked the Indian Government to consider the medical degree of a woman from Kashmir. She studied medicine from a PoK college. The court made the statement after the Indian Medical Council Act did not grant her permission and recognition says a senior official.
The high court asked the Government of India to publish the fast. The official further explained that it would prevent misled among students to get medical qualifications from PoJKL colleges. India has affirmed that the territories of J&K and Ladakh are its inherent and integral parts.
