Psychiatry test for medical seat in Uttarakhand college

DEHRADUN: The Government Medical College, Haldwani, one of the four state medical colleges of Uttarakhand, has made it mandatory for all students to take a “psychiatry test” during the admission process. While all students normally need to get clearance from the medical board, which comprises doctors from all departments, mental health tests were never necessary in medical colleges prior to this in the state, reports Shivani Azad.

As word spread and students began raising questions, authorities clarified that “having a mental health condition” won’t get in the way of a student’s admission, “it will simply help the hospital keep an eye on the illness and help the student cope in any adverse situation”. Students are currently undergoing counselling for around 150 seats at the medical college.

Principal Dr Arun Joshi told TOI, “Anxiety, depression, stress and other mental health issues are increasing these days in society. Medical courses require a lot of attention and dedication, so it is important for us to know the mental state of every student... so that we can help them with their overall performance.”

Students, however, were not convinced. A student of the medical college told TOI: “Are we expected to welcome the order? A student who has successfully cleared NEET is already mentally sound. How else would s/he clear such a demanding exam? What does a ‘mandatory psychiatry test’ even mean?”

Another student said, “Mental health is very private matter and should remain that way. We are simply applying to join academics, not jobs at this stage. This is not a good move.”

The director of Uttarakhand Medical Education department, Dr Ashutosh Sayana, said, “This has been made mandatory only in Haldwani, not in the other three medical colleges in Uttarakhand, which are in Doon, Srinagar and Almora. That said, even in the routine checks, if the medical board finds anything (of concern) about the mental health of students, they point it out and ensure it is taken care of.”

The college was in the news last year when a large bunch of junior students were allegedly made to shave their heads and parade on a road, triggering protest by medical students and alumni across the state and beyond.