The Central Government has taken a decision to reserve a total of five MBBS seats for the central pool for wards of COVID-19 warriors for the academic session 2020-2021.

Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister, said the initiative aims to grace and honor the significant contribution made by COVID-19 warriors who have sacrificed their lives because of the virus or died accidentally because of COVID-19 related duty.

Additionally, the Union Health Ministry has launched a new category called Wards of COVID Warriors, under the guidelines for shortlisting candidates against central pool MBBS seats.

Medical Council Committee (MCC) will select the candidates through online application based on the rank secured in the NEET-2020 held by National Testing Agency.

Vardhan informed, “This will honor the solemn sacrifice of all COVID warriors who served with selfless dedication for the cause of duty and humanity.” 

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While announcing the insurance package of Rs 50 lakh for them, the minister stated, “COVID Warriors are all public healthcare providers including community health workers, who may have to be in direct contact and care of COVID-19 patients and who may be at risk of being impacted by this.” 

He further added, “Private hospital staff and retired/volunteer/ local urban bodies/ contracted/ daily wage/ ad-hoc/ outsourced staff requisitioned by states/central hospitals/ autonomous hospitals of central/ states/UTs, AIIMS, and Institutes of National Importance (INIs)/ hospitals of central ministries drafted for COVID-19-related responsibilities are all included.”

Furthermore, the state and union territory (UT) government will look for the eligibility for this category.

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