64-Year-Old Retired Official Joins MBBS Course
A 64- year-old retired bank employee from Odisha who in order to achieve his dream of becoming a doctor has joined the MBBS course. He is the oldest student to take admission in medical college.
During old age, many people talk about their unaccomplished dreams. However, a 64-year-old bank official from Odisha is trying to achieve his ambition of becoming a doctor. Jay Kishore Pradhan cleared the NEET exam and enrolled into the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), a government-run medical college for MBBS course. Pradhan said, “I had appeared in the medical entrance examination after my intermediate exam (Board exam – 12th), but I failed. Later I studied B. Sc. However, I always wanted to try again.
After he started his job, Pradhan wanted to take another shot at the MBBS entrance exam by quitting his job. But as they were five brothers and due to his family responsibilities, he could not quit the job at that time. Pradhan has twin daughters and a son. His daughter was preparing for her medical entrance exam in 2016. Pradhan said, “I was helping her in her preparation and asked myself if I can teach her why I can't write the exam again. My wife Pratibha, who is a pharmacist, also encouraged me.” So, he started preparing for it in 2016 after his retirement. Both his daughters were students of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). While one of them passed away on 20th November. Pradhan’s son is now studying in Std 10th.
Pradhan got admission into MBBS course under physically challenged student’s quota. The age limit for NEET exam is 25 years but a writ petition in this regard filed before SC in 2018 helped Pradhan give the exam. VIMSAR Director Prof. Lalit Meher said Pradhan is the oldest student to take admission into the medical college. “It is one of the rare events in the history of medical education. He has certainly set an example by getting admission as a medical student at such an age.”
Pradhan is not bothered about the high cost of medical education over the next decade. “I have deposited Rs 30,000. Though I know that I can’t get a job, I would try to help people by offering free treatment.”
