At a time the entire state braces up its forces to avoid a community spread of COVID-19, Kerala University of Health Sciences urged the final year MBBS students to be socially responsible and be a part of the fight against the pandemic. As a step towards enabling them in serving the public at the time of a crisis, the University even published the results of 2700 final year BBS students.
When the first COVID-19 infection of the country was first reported in Thrissur on January 30, KUHS had immediately convened a meeting of experts in the public health system. The meeting had decided to make use of 1 lakh medical students under the University to sensitize the public on the importance of personal hygiene and social distancing at the time of corona infection. "Many colleges organized regional level programmes to create awareness among the public on washing hands and remaining at home to avoid the spread of infection. But, since the lockdown announced, students went back to their houses and exams were cancelled," said vice-chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal.
With more cases in the state, the University thus looked upon supporting the state's efforts in fighting the battle. "There are 2700 final year MBBS students under the University who were awaiting their results. After proper analysis, we speeded up the valuation process and was able to publish the results on March 24 itself, which would have taken more time otherwise. The University also requested the Travancore-Cochin Medical Council to consider issuing the certificates for these students without delay. Many received the certificates already and they are on the field to assist the medical professionals in their native places at the time of a health emergency," he added.
The University also plans to issue special certificates for the medical students who render their services in the health department in the fight against COVID-19. "It will definitely be a learning experience for the budding professionals in our medical colleges to work along with experienced doctors in dealing with the corona infection. Moreover, it is the time, that medical assistance for people with other health conditions too is ensured. Hence, their service is most needed for the public," he said.
The special certificates will be useful for students who planes to continue their studies after MBBS. The MBBS students were advised by the University to approach their nearest primary health care centre or government hospitals to assist the professionals there at the time of the pandemic. Meanwhile, online classes were already being conducted in many of the medical colleges so that the courses wouldn't be discontinued.
