Many final-year MBBS students have been helping treat coronavirus patients full-time, in addition to preparing for their postgraduate medical entrance examinations. As a gesture of appreciation, the government of Karnataka is considering awarding five extra marks to medicos who have been actively involved in helping combat coronavirus.

This would be beneficial for students who are taking medical entrance examinations such as NEET PG 2021 and NEET SS 2020.

Meanwhile, NEET PG seats will be increased by over 4,800 for 2020-21.

Dr Keshavareddy Sudhankar, the Minister for Medical Education of Karnataka, has said that the government is considering awarding give marks to NEET aspirants who have been involved in the coronavirus response team.

He added that the state government is considering raising the salary of Group D workers and providing risk allowances to all healthcare workers on the frontline. This, he feels, will keep the morale of the workers high.

While addressing a press conference, Dr Sudhankar stated that nearly 2,000 medical students who are preparing for postgraduate entrance tests, will become part of the coronavirus response team. Nursing students who are in their final year will also work at coronavirus centres.

These matters are currently under discussion. The Minister said that a decision will be made presently and announced in a few days.