Medical students’ plans derailed by delay in PGI convocation | Chandigarh News
Chandigarh: The sudden postponement of PGI’s annual convocation — due to the unavailability of the Union health minister — has disturbed the medical community here.Originally slated for April 27, the event has been shifted to April 30. This has left nearly 600 DM and MD students from the last three batches facing significant financial losses and professional hurdles. Because attendance for the April 26 dress rehearsal was mandatory, hundreds of doctors now settled in various states had already booked non-refundable air tickets and hotel stays for themselves and their families.The shift in schedule has proven particularly difficult for those travelling from regions like West Bengal, where ongoing elections make securing extended leave nearly impossible. Many doctors said that while they could manage a single day’s absence for the original date, a midweek ceremony requires a level of flexibility their current roles do not afford. “This incident echoes a frustrating trend for the institute; in 2019, a similar postponement due to ministerial scheduling forced international students to cancel expensive travel plans, and a 2024 ceremony was likewise deferred due to strikes,” recalled a faculty member. Despite a formal meeting between the Association of Resident Doctors and the PGI director on Saturday, the administration has signalled that the decision remains out of their hands as it hinges on the ministry. As a contingency, sources indicate that the director will step in as the chief guest on April 30 if the minister is still unable to attend. “The annual convocation is much awaited as most come along with parents, kids and their wives,” said a resident doctor. BOX: Past incidents: In 2024, PGI’s supplementary convocation for nursing and paramedical students was deferred due to the nationwide strike by resident doctors In 2019, when J P Nadda was union health minister, the convocation was postponed due to his busy schedule. Most of the students who were settled abroad and were looking forward to the event had to cancel their tickets. MSID:: 130195162 413 |
