BioVoice News August 2017 Issue 3 Volume 2 | Page 103

The MCI has revealed that there is no specific data of foreign medical graduates who are registered with the MCI/ SMC is available with the Council before 2007. However, since 2007, MCI generated computerized registration certificate and as per the available records from 2007 till mid-2014, a total of 12,858 permanent registrations were granted by MCI in respect of Indian nationals who possess primary medical qualification from various universities outside the country. These revelations point to the fact that there is a huge gap between the doctor to patient ratio in India. The result is that the public healthcare, especially in far off rural areas is suffering due to the absence of registered quality doctors. GOVT GRANTED RS 48 CRORE WORTH SCHOLARSHIP TO WOMEN SCIENTISTS IN 2016-17 The ‘Women Scientist Scheme’ of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), provides career opportunities which include the fellowship to unemployed women scientists and technologists, especially those who had a break in career, for pursuing research in frontier areas of Science and Engineering. This was stated by the Minister of State for Ministry of Science & Technology, Y S Chowdary while replying to a question recently in the Parliament. possess recognized primary medical qualification, are registered with it or the State Medical Councils (SMCs) as on 31st March, 2017. On an average, per year about 400 women scientists are awarded financial support under Women Scientist Scheme. Over 30% of awardees of projects get absorbed in mainstream through regular employment. Also, more than 40% of the awardees under this scheme have been able to complete their PhD while pursuing the programme. BIOVOICENEWS.COM 103