At Goa Medical College, doctors answer their MS, MD practical exams online

PANAJI: Even as many medical colleges around the country have deferred their exams till December in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, Goa Medical College (GMC) last month became a rare exception to the rule. Almost 100 students pursuing their doctor of medicine (MD) and master of surgery (MS) courses answered their practical exams online.
Dean Dr S M Bandekar said that the online practical exams concluded on Tuesday, while the written (theory) component was held earlier, with the students’ physical presence.
Bandekar said that comducting practicals online involved a lot of planning as each department had different requirements, and plans had to be made accordingly. “We had special arrangements made to conduct practical exams online,” he said. “Special cameras were installed in laboratories and at bedside clinics. A similar arrangement was also made in the mortuary, to facilitate the practical component to be conducted online.”
The results of the exams, which were completed for 20 specialties in consonance with established guidelines, will be declared within a month, he said. While these exams are normally held in April-May, they were delayed this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. He added that only two specialties — bio-chemistry and anatomy — saw no exams being conducted as there are no students for post-graduate courses in these disciplines.
With the completion of the examination process, GMC will be set to appoint students on bond as junior residents (JRs) and in other capacities. As per the bond, successful students are required to serve at the institute for a period of one year after course completion.
“Most importantly, students are no more in limbo about their exams,” the dean said. “It is a great relief to them. Ours is one of the few colleges in the country that has completed the examination process for MD/MS courses despite the Covid pandemic.”
Meanwhile, the institute has started online lectures for other (MBBS) students.