Medical students crisis: Lower House receives Ministerial proposal 8 months into deadlock

The House of Representatives’ dialogue committee representing the majority groups has announced receipt of a new proposal from the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis affecting students in medicine and pharmacy faculties.

In a press release, the committee stated that the new proposal comes as part of ongoing mediation efforts by parliamentary groups to resolve student strikes at medical, pharmacy, and dentistry schools. The committee confirmed that it has received and reviewed the Ministry’s responses following discussions with the Minister of Higher Education.

The parliamentary committee emphasized that it will oversee the implementation of commitments made by the Ministry during a July 10, 2024, meeting. These commitments include lifting sanctions against students and their representatives, canceling the zero marks, scheduling additional exam sessions for both the first and second semesters, and ensuring the proper training hours for the 2019-2024 graduating classes based on established pedagogical guidelines.

The dialogue committee urged students to engage positively with the Ministry’s proposal and to place trust in the institutions involved. It pledged to monitor the Ministry’s adherence to its commitments to safeguard student interests and advance the nation’s educational goals.

Medical and pharmacy students have been on strike for over eight months, boycotting exams, courses, and internships. Their protest stems from issues related to changes in practical internship protocols, a reduction in medical study duration from seven to six years, and an increase in student numbers.

The strike has led to significant disruptions in the medical sector, marking an unprecedented period of unrest characterized by strikes, boycotts, and demonstrations. Despite the government’s efforts, the impasse between the students and authorities remains unresolved.