SNDT University reportedly disaffiliated itself from the Dialysis Technology course conducted by the Gopalkrishna Piramal Memorial Hospital, Lower Parel, recently because there were male students in the course.
SNDT University reportedly disaffiliated itself from the Dialysis Technology course conducted by the Gopalkrishna Piramal Memorial Hospital, Lower Parel, recently because there were male students in the course.
Hospital authorities say SNDT Vice Chancellor Dr Chandra Krishnamurthy pointed out that SNDT, being a
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university for women, could not support a course that admitted males.
Dr Shalini Chainani, chief operating officer at the hospital, told MiD DAY that the course was being continued in light of the need for more trained technicians in the city. "The course had 1:4 ratio of girls to boys so it was unfair to discontinue it.
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More so because we are the only hospital offering this course in the city," said Chainani. After the split with SNDT, the hospital applied for affiliation with Mumbai University three months ago. Mumbai University is yet to respond.
Krishnamurthy, however, said her decision was in line with the university's vision. "Our focus and vision for the last 93 years has been the empowerment of women through higher education. How can male students figure in this course? Our motto is clear to all who interact with us," said Krishnamurthy.
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Chainani says she is determined to carry the course, which saw its first batch in 2003, forward in view of the increasing kidney-related problems among citizens. "We even extended the duration of the course from three to six months," she said. The current course, which comprises 25 students, will begin on February 21.
Was it the correct decision?
There is a lack of trained dialysis technicians in the city. SNDT is a women's university and probably they are compelled to only enroll female students. I feel no course is inherently suited to women or men exclusively. All that is required is aptitude and interest.
Dr Vatsala Trivedi, in charge of the Zonal Transplant Co-ordination Centre
Gender parity works both ways. For female emancipation, you need to include men, not alienate them. Even Sophia college, which was an exclusively female institution, has begun to include male students. One has to be inclusive, not exclusive and especially in a specialised course that not too many people offer.
Professor Nandini Sardesai, sociologist and educator
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