Tripura CM Manik Saha Appeals to Public to Refrain from Controversy Over Doctors’ Selection

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday addressed growing concerns and controversies surrounding the recent recruitment of doctors in the state, particularly General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs). His statement came during the offer letter distribution ceremony for the newly selected doctors, at a time when social media was flooded with debates and criticisms over the eligibility and academic performance of some of the recruits.

Saha, who himself is a medical professional by background, firmly urged people not to create unnecessary controversies around the selection process. He emphasized that once a candidate successfully clears the MBBS examination, they are automatically recognized as qualified to practice medicine by the National Medical Council (NMC). This qualification, he said, is sufficient proof of a doctor’s competence to treat patients. Reinforcing this point, he stated, “Once someone clears the MBBS exams, they are allowed to do private practice, which indicates that they are competent to attend patients.”

The controversy gained momentum after the publication of the list of selected candidates. Social media users highlighted that some of the selected doctors had obtained relatively low marks, even as low as 14, 19, or 21 out of 100 in certain assessments. This led to a public debate questioning the credibility, capability, and merit of these doctors. Critics suggested that low academic scores could reflect poorly on their ability to serve patients effectively.

In response, the Chief Minister argued against equating grades with the true capabilities of a doctor. He explained that a doctor’s quality and competence cannot be judged solely on the basis of marks obtained in examinations. According to him, grades are “just numbers” and cannot capture the entire scope of knowledge, training, and experience that medical students undergo.

Expanding on this point, Saha outlined the rigorous process that a medical student has to undergo before becoming a doctor. First, candidates must clear the NEET examination, which he described as one of the toughest competitive exams in India. Only then do they secure admission into the MBBS program. During the five-and-a-half years of medical study, students must clear a series of demanding semester examinations. In this context, he pointed out that anyone scoring below 50 percent is considered a failure. Hence, the very fact that these students have completed their MBBS degree proves that they have attained the required level of competence. Becoming a doctor, he stressed, is not an easy achievement.

The Chief Minister also drew a clear distinction between eligibility for practice and recruitment for government jobs. While completing MBBS makes one eligible to practice medicine anywhere in the country, competitive examinations are conducted separately for those seeking government positions. This, he explained, is a standard process, and does not mean that those with lower marks in some examinations are unfit to serve patients.

By addressing the controversy directly, Saha sought to restore public faith in the medical recruitment process and prevent further misunderstandings. He reiterated that all those who have cleared MBBS, regardless of whether their scores were on the higher or lower side, are officially authorized to practice medicine and possess the knowledge necessary to treat patients.

In conclusion, Saha appealed to the public to avoid giving undue importance to social media debates and to trust the integrity of the medical education system. He reminded people that the journey of becoming a doctor is long, difficult, and full of rigorous academic challenges, which itself guarantees that those who have successfully completed it are competent enough to serve the healthcare needs of the state.