Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 28: In a decisive move to uphold quality education in the para-medical sector, Karnataka’s Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Sharan Prakash Patil, has ordered the closure of para-medical colleges failing to meet infrastructure and teaching standards.
During a review meeting at Vikasa Soudha, officials of the state para-medical board highlighted serious deficiencies in several private institutions. Shocking instances were reported, including colleges operating in congested spaces with minimal facilities—one college had only a single microscope for hundreds of students, while another lacked proper lighting.
Minister Patil expressed concern over private institutions that paint an impressive picture to gain approval but later compromise on education quality while charging exorbitant fees. Karnataka has 566 para-medical colleges, of which 529 are privately run, admitting over 22,000 students for the 2024-25 academic year. Private colleges charge Rs 20,000 annually for a three-year course, compared to Rs 8,500 in government institutions.
Inspections also uncovered serious violations, with over ten colleges illegally transferring students without approval from the para-medical board. Additionally, several institutions failed to provide the necessary teaching and practical training for their courses.
"Colleges that do not meet the required standards must be shut down without hesitation. We need to send a strong message," Minister Patil asserted. He assured that students affected by these closures would be accommodated in better institutions to ensure their academic progress is not disrupted.
The para-medical stream in Karnataka offers diploma courses in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT), Medical Imaging Technology (DMIT), Health Inspection (DHI), Medical Records Technology (DMRT), Operation Theatre and Anaesthesia Technology (DOT & AT), Dialysis Technology (DDT), Ophthalmic Technology (DOT), Dental Mechanics (DDM), and Dental Hygiene (DDH).
Graduates from these programs are eligible for employment in hospitals, medical and dental colleges, primary health centres, and clinical laboratories at the district and taluk levels.
The government’s action aims to safeguard the credibility of para-medical education and ensure that students receive proper training for their healthcare careers, the Minister affirmed.
Principal Secretary Mohammed Moshin, director of medical education B L Sujatha Rathod, and Special Officer of the Para-Medical Board Vijay Kumar were present at the meeting.