Tura,Oct 24: The ACHIK organization from Garo Hills has written to the Vice Chancellor of P A Sangma International Medical University seeking a review of the fees for medical students citing its high costs.
In a letter to Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Gauri Dutt Sharma, ACHIK group stated that there is growing concern within the local community over the university’s fee structure.
“The current fees are notably higher than what many families in Meghalaya can afford, particularly for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. While we understand that medical education is resource-intensive and requires substantial investment, the high fee structure may inadvertently place higher education out of reach for many local
students, thereby limiting the very purpose of this institution – to serve the people of Meghalaya,” stated ACHIK in their memo to the vice chancellor.
It pointed out that the region’s socio-economic conditions present challenges for numerous families who, despite having children with academic potential, are unable to support them through expensive education.
“The high fees could act as a significant deterrent, pushing local students to either abandon their dreams of pursuing a medical degree or seek alternatives outside the state. This, in turn, could contribute to the continued migration of talent and a scarcity of local medical professionals in the state,” it said.
ACHIK has put forward a series of points to favour the student community. The suggestions include special fee concessions for local students, Introducing scholarships or fee waivers for students hailing from Meghalaya, particularly those from rural and economically disadvantaged communities.
The organization also wants the university to offer flexible payment structures, such as installment plans or deferred payment options, that would ease the financial burden on families and encourage more local students to apply.
It also wants the university to partner with the state government and other local institutions to create subsidized seats for Meghalaya’s students so as to ensure that more of the local youth are able to access medical education, among others.
