NAGPUR: The Medical Education Department has postponed the examination of Modern Midlevel Service Provider Certificate Course which was scheduled to be held across the state from March 6-8. The examination will now be held from March 14-16.

The course, designed by the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) for the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree holders, had created a row and was opposed by doctors practicing Indian system of medicine as well as by the allopathy practitioners associated with the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

According to the state government policy, candidates clearing this examination will be posted as heads of the Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) to be established under the Ayushman Bharat Yojna across the state. National Integrated Medical Association (NIMA) had opposed this examination stating that it was not required as BAMS doctors have the authority to prescribe allopathy. IMA, on the contrary, had opposed the idea of posting BAMS doctors at HWCs as it will promote crosspathy.

The row between the two medical associations created confusion among more than 1,200 BAMS doctors who were undergoing training for this course in 36 hospitals across the state. Suspecting cancellation of the examination, more than 600 of them did not fill the examination forms. With less than 50% students filling the forms, the health department had to intervene.

Dr Vijay Kandewad, joint director of Health services, Government of Maharashtra, said that the department urged MUHS to postpone the examination so that more candidates could fill up the examination forms.

Candidates who couldn’t fill up the forms said that the fee is very high. Dr Aniket Bhosale, a candidate who completed the course from District Hospital, Wardha, said that they are required to pay Rs 14,520 as examination fee, and Rs 5,500 as eligibility fee. Both are non-refundable in case of cancellation of examination. Since they were not sure whether the examination will be held or not, many of them decided to wait.

Senior NIMA member, Dr Vishnu Bawane, who is also a member of Maharashtra Council of Indian Medicine (MCIM), stated that they will continue to oppose this examination. However, candidates who have already completed the six-month course should not face problems in getting their right of jobs at HWCs. Therefore, they have decided to go ahead with the test.

MUHS issued a circular regarding the change on March 5 late night. MUHS examination controller, Dr Ajit Pathak, said that the question papers and answer books have already been sent to the respective centres and will be used on the later dates. Theory examination for maternal, child and adolescent health care, including family welfare, will be conducted on March 14. Examination for medical, surgical and clinical services will be held on March 15 and the public health paper will be held on March 16. Practical exams will be conducted on March 18.