Historic moment for Wayanad as Government Medical College welcomes its first batch of students

Mananthavady: Putting to rest a long period of uncertainty, first-year MBBS classes have commenced at Wayanad Government Medical College. It was a moment of double delight for the district, as three natives of Wayanad secured admission in the inaugural batch. One of them belongs to the Scheduled Tribe category. Akhila Vinod from Mananthavady, Nidha Fathima from Bathery and Nanda Kishore from Meenangadi are the three Wayanad natives who have gained admission in the first batch.

On the first day, 17 boys and 22 girls attended classes. Students, accompanied by their parents, were given a warm reception by faculty members and staff. So far, 41 students have taken admission in the maiden MBBS batch. Admissions will continue in the coming days. Online classes had already begun on October 3. Students will undergo a foundation course until the 14th, as per the guidelines of the National Medical Mission and the Kerala University of Health Sciences. The ongoing foundation course is designed to familiarise students with the medical curriculum and the healthcare system. Theory and practical sessions will begin after the foundation course concludes. Special orientation classes were also held for parents.

Four students from the All India Quota and 36 from the State Quota have been admitted to the first batch. Wayanad Government Medical College received approval from the National Medical Commission last month. Initially, approval has been granted for 50 MBBS seats, 7 reserved for the All India Quota and 43 from the Kerala list. Classes are being conducted on the fifth floor of the multi-purpose building. Floors 1, 4, and 6 will also be utilised for the college. Facilities, including a laboratory, have been arranged on the fourth floor.

A total of 140 vacancies comprising 115 teaching and 25 non-teaching positions have been created to facilitate first-year classes. Office staff appointments are still pending. Hostel facilities have been arranged for girls and a building has been identified for the boys’ hostel, though maintenance work remains to be completed. An organising committee was formed at a meeting chaired by Minister O R Kelu for the grand conduct of Praveshnolsavam (College entry festival). However, the event was skipped as ministers were unable to attend due to the ongoing Assembly session. Principal-in-charge Dr V P Asharaf said all arrangements for classes have been completed.

A moment of pride for Akhila
Akhila is overjoyed to have secured admission in the inaugural batch of the first government medical college in her district. On her first day at college, Akhila Vinod expressed her happiness and pride at being part of the maiden batch. A member of the Scheduled Caste tribe, Akhila is one of the three students from Wayanad in the first batch. Her father, Vinod, is an autorickshaw driver in Mananthavady and her mother is Maajida. Her brother, Akhil Vinod, is a student at Alappuzha Government Medical College.