The latest twist in the saga of the university came yesterday when it was given support by the Public Health Ministry in the form of a memorandum of understanding to train doctors.

The Medical Council says the university has not submitted its medical curriculum for certification by the council.

"We totally support [the aims of] the new medical school, but no exceptions will be made in this case," said Dr Somsak Lolekha, the president of the council.

PNU had transferred its first batch of 15 medical students to the Prince of Songkla University for continued study pending council certification.

"If they are not certified, then the graduates will be deemed ineligible to either apply for a medical licence or for higher education in medicine," Somsak explained.

PNU rector Jongrak Plasai called the memorandum of understanding an opportunity for students in the three southern-most provinces, particularly Narathiwat, to study to become doctors and help resolve the area's shortage.

Because of the violence in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, the number of medical personnel in the three provinces was 42 per cent less than what was needed, Public Health permanent secretary Dr Prat Boonyawongwiroj said.

Of the three provinces, Narathiwat had the worst problem and needed about 200 doctors, he said. Pattani needed 58 more doctors and Yala 43.

The ministry is preparing to implement a plan to train about 11,000 doctors over the next 10 years to resolve the shortage.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in the far South in the past three years of civil strife.

Arthit Khwankhom

The Nation