First-year students will arrive on campus as classes are set to begin from February. Students arrived at the campuses in the government medical colleges in Chennai on Tuesday. The day also is a dream come true for many students, who are stepping into the colleges through the 7.5 quota for medical seats for government school students.

Doctors said that all the students will be undergoing RT-PCR tests and would be quarantined in the campuses till their classes start. "Since some students are also coming from other States, it is important for RT-PCR tests and quarantine," said a doctor with the Stanley GH. The doctor added that all the students were briefed about the subjects and departments, and were also allotted hostels. "Since some students could be from Tamil medium, we have also encouraged them to feel free to ask any doubts that they have during the course," added the doctor.

While about 250 students arrived at Stanley, 232 arrived at the Madras Medical College, 100 at the Omandurar Government Medical College and Hospital and 150 at the Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital. RGGGH Dean Dr E Theranirajan said RTPCR swabs have been taken from all the students and only one parent was allowed to accompany the student in the inaugural day.

"Thermal screening, hand sanitisers and masks were made mandatory. The number of professors present during the inaugural day too were lesser due to COVID protocols," he said. Students at the Omandurar GH were welcomed with roses. Dean R Jayanthi said that circulars were given to all the students ahead to come with RTPCR test. "To those who haven't taken, we will help them to take the tests in government facilities," she said. She said that the introduction would continue until February. KMCH Dean Dr P Vasanthamani said that classes may begin by February.