July 22, 2019
Albin Joseph from Kerala who is a wheelchair user, was denied
admission by the MCI to pursue his MBBS owing to a disability. Though
Albin’s certificate mentioned 75% disability in the beginning, it was later
changed to 80% by the MCI. He has taken the case to the Kerala High Court and
is awaiting justice.
For-18-year-old Albin Joseph, a disability does not stop him
from dreaming big. Ever since childhood, he has been nursing dreams of
becoming a doctor. Albin, who is from Muvattupuzha in
Kerala, is fighting legally for his rights after he was denied admission to
medical colleges due to a disability. According to the government disability
certificate, Albin has a 60% disability, which means he can study medicine.
But the Medical Council of India (MCI) certificate has
marked him with an 80% disability and he is unable to get admissions into any
medical college.
Albin is fighting his case in the Kerala High Court and
hopes to get justice.
Albin has spinal bifeda from birth and is paralysed from below his hip and
uses a wheelchair. He has undergone nine surgeries and it was during his
extended stays at hospitals that he got to see doctors working close at hand.
That inspired him to take up medicine, he says.
Ever since I remember, I wanted to become a doctor. My academic life was
never a struggle because I had a bunch of great friends and teachers who
helped me throughout. In fact, my school authorities built a ramp for me so
that I could attend classes without any hassles. After my class 10 I was
worried about how I will join another inclusive school since my school did
not have classes 11 and 12. But our MLA Joseph Vazhakkal arranged classes
11 and 12 for me in the same school and that is how I completed my studies
in biology and maths-Albin Joseph
Albin is hoping his hard work won’t go waste. “I was denied admission in
many entrance coaching centres because I am a wheelchair user. I had to
travel far to attend one centre that was ready to take me in. I have
struggled quite a bit to chase my dreams. How can wrongly given information
become a barrier for me to pursue medicine?”, asks Albin, who ranked 294 in
the all India medical entrance exams.
“I was called to meet concerned authorities before applying for admissions.
The neurologist who examined me had written that I have a 75% disability,
which also gives me permission to pursue medicine. That changed to 80% when
it reached the MCI”, says Albin.
The Kerala High Court has said that one seat must be kept aside for Albin
until his case is complete. The court also asked to form a new board to look
into the matter and do a re-check which gives hope to Albin.
Sarath PS, who is also a wheelchair user, is Albin’s close
family friend. “The world has seen great people like Stephen Hawking who
has done wonders in the world of science in spite of a disability. Then why
is the government denying opportunities for a youngster like Albin. Our
government is being extremely insensitive to people with disabilities”,
says Sarath.
Amidst all the legal procedures, Albin is staying calm and composed. This
youngster is sure that he is going to win the case so that he can soon start
working towards pursuing his ambition of becoming a successful doctor.
