Srinagar, Nov 23: Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone on Sunday strongly criticised the controversy surrounding admissions of students to the medical school of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, accusing the BJP of “experimenting with the concept of communalising medical sciences.”
In a sharply worded statement, Lone said the current debate was “too much of a stretch” and undermined the integrity of India’s medical education system. He emphasised that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) was the sole legitimate gateway for medical admissions across the country.
“There is a proper admission test called NEET—and it is an all-India test,” Lone said. “The finest brains in the country sit for that exam. Those who qualify work years to become doctors, to treat people, perform surgeries, and serve society.”
Highlighting the global importance of medical research, Lone said India should focus on promoting scientific excellence instead of allowing politics to pollute the field.
“The finest minds dedicate their lives to research. They sit in labs for decades developing new ways to defeat diseases,” he said, citing breakthroughs in cardiac care, ophthalmology, robotic surgeries, MRI and CT scan technologies. “The scientists who made all this possible will turn in their graves if they see medicine being reduced to a subject handled by undereducated political leaders, mired in communalism.”
He expressed concern that India, despite its talent pool, had not contributed to medical research at the level expected. “We need to get the best brains and build a culture of innovation. Medical science needs researchers—not religious zealots,” Lone said, adding that, in the age of artificial intelligence, “this is unambiguously the newest low.”
Calling for higher standards in public life, he remarked, “How I wish a basic level of IQ be made a prerequisite for being part of public life.”
Lone urged the country to prioritise research, global collaboration, and scientific thinking to ensure India keeps pace with modern healthcare advancements.
