Privately enrolled medical students in Sri Lanka have written to the Prime Minister requesting for an increase in the government’s funding on its Assistance to Privately Enrolled Medical Students (APEMS). Through the programme, selected students get financial assistance of Nu 300,000 annually. The students expressed a major need for revision in financial aid.
In the letter signed by 60 APEMS recipient studying in four universities across Sri Lanka, the students wrote that the cost of studying has tripled. At the same time, funding remained stagnant at Nu 300,000. The APEMS programme started in 2009.
Speaking to BBS virtually, students said they are making this request since most of them missed out on the full scholarship opportunity by decimal points and yet signed 14-year bonds to come back and work in Bhutan.
“I was just a seat away from receiving the full scholarship, but unfortunately due to the Dzongkha tiebreaker, I couldn’t get into the full scholarship. I feel that the other APEMS, like me, who have the marks and who can get into the universities have to step back because they cannot cover up the expenses required, which is unfair,” said Pema Tshering Choki, a student from the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka.
“At present, the dollar rates and the tuition fees have increased, but the amount Nu 300,000 remained the same, which is not even enough to meet the tuition fees. I can see most financially disadvantaged students dropping out of college, even though they are capable and are just behind the full scholarship students,” said Sangay Khando, another student.
The students have requested for 70 per cent of the full scholarship amount. The full scholarship recipients get the estimated USD 7,500 annually.
“The bond signing was made the same as full scholarship students since the APEMS’ tuition fees was covered along with some surplus amount for other expenditures. But with time, that Nu 300,000 is not able to meet the objective from 2009,” said Sangay Khando.
“I do take the responsibility because I came with the decision that I am willing to bear the price. From my side, what I hope for and expect is that the Government can at least cover our tuition fees. That’s the best hope that I have. Other than that, I feel it would be a bit too much of us to demand more than that,” said Kuenzang Dolkar, a student from the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office is reviewing the request and will reach a decision soon. The Opposition in an email response to the students has also given its assurance to support them.
Sherub Dorji, Samtse
