Redefining Medical Caste-Based Admission
By Siddhi Tamakuwala, B.D.S, MPH,India.
As an individual who has obtained an MPH degree and possesses a strong dedica8on to advancing social jus8ce and ensuring equitable healthcare opportuni8es, I am obliged to address the intricate ma>er of caste-based reserva8ons within medical educa8on in India. Acknowledging the significance of resolving historical dispari8es, I call for a policy reform that entails the removal of reserved seats within the medical profession. At present the percentage of caste reserva8on has raised from 22.5% to 49.5%.[1] I am taking this stand because I believe that geJng into medical school should depend on a person’s skills and not their race.
The implementa8on of caste-based reserva8ons in medical educa8on has been a subject of significant controversy in India over an extended period. Although the primary purpose of these reserves was ini8ally to redress past injus8ces and offer chances to underprivileged popula8ons. This had resulted in unexpected outcomes on students as well as lack of medical professionals, hence affec8ng the availability of healthcare services for marginalized popula8ons. A significant number of students belonging to the open category, par8cularly those from economically disadvantaged origins, are currently facing challenges in obtaining admission to medical ins8tu8ons because of reserva8on policies. These events have resulted in a percep8on of disparity and disappointment within a substan8al segment of the student body.
At the heart of this argument are the rights to equality and the laws against discrimina8on. Ar8cle 15 of the Indian Cons8tu8on clearly outlaws the act of discrimina8on based on factors such as religion, ethnicity, caste, sex, or place of birth. The act of alloca8ng seats in medical educa8on based on caste undermines the no8on of equal opportunity, so infringing against this basic right.
The prac8ce of alloca8ng seats in medical educa8on based on caste affilia8on restricts the accessibility of educa8onal chances for individuals who may possess equal or more merit. Results
in obstacles for students belonging to non-reserved categories, hence contribu8ng to the perpetua8on of an ongoing cycle of inequity. The issue of limited availability can be addressed by implemen8ng a policy of gran8ng admission to all seats based on merit. The elimina8on of these reserva8ons will guarantee fair and equal access to medical educa8on and is more likely to be accepted by the general popula8on. Also, to ensure the provision of high-quality medical educa8on, it is impera8ve to priori8zes students’ ability rather than their caste affilia8ons.
I advocate for the discon8nua8on of caste-based reserva8ons in medical educa8on. The implementa8on of this policy change should be executed in a phased manner within a predetermined 8meline to provide a seamless and organized transi8on. One poten8al approach to implemen8ng this change might include amending the current reserva8on criteria to establish a merit-based admissions system for medical ins8tu8ons.
Merit-Based Equality: The removal of caste-based reserva8ons in medical educa8on upholds the principles of equality and non-discrimina8on. The implementa8on of merit-based admissions policies ensures that those who possess the highest qualifica8ons are given the op8on to pursue careers in the healthcare sector.
Improving Healthcare Access: The implementa8on of a merit-based admission system for medical students, as opposed to one based on caste, has the poten8al to effec8vely mi8gate the scarcity of healthcare professionals in rural and neglected regions. Consequently, this might lead to an overall enhancement in healthcare accessibility for the whole popula8on.
Fostering Compe88veness: The implementa8on of a merit-based system cul8vates a sense of compe88on among students, therefore mo8va8ng them to achieve academic excellence. This has advantages not alone for the students, but also for the overall quality of healthcare services provided to the community.
In conclusion, as public health advocate, in my opinion, geJng rid of caste-based admissions in medical schools is a step in the right direc8on for the medical future of India that values merit and equity more. This modifica8on is consistent with the equality principles outlined in the Indian Cons8tu8on. I urge policymakers, educa8onal ins8tu8ons, and leaders to take this proposal seriously and work toward establishing a healthcare workforce that is diverse, compe88ve, and genuinely reflec8ve of India’s hopes for a brighter future.
Siddhi Tamakuwala, B.D.S, MPH
YOUTH KI AWAZ
Reference:
1. h>ps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reserva8on_in_India
2. h>ps://www.theweek.in/news/india/2022/11/01/opinion-all-caste-based-reserva8ons- should-be-abolished.html
3. h>ps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth_Ki_Awaaz
4. h>ps://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2019/04/the-problem-with-caste-based-reserva8ons-
wheres-the-merit/