His happiness knew no bounds when he came fourth in the entrance exams for the Assistant Anesthetist course at the National Academy of Health Sciences (NAMS). But the happiness did not last long, as NAMS published the results a second time within 12 hours and this time his name was in the alternative group.

Hare Ram Air, a health assistant from Singli-8, Dadeldhura district, said that his name was deleted altogether when NAMS published the same results for the third time the same evening.

"I came fourth in the first result, in the alternative list in second and failed in the third," complained Air, adding, "The academy published the same result thrice to bar me from further studies."

He said he was shocked after NAMS started publishing the result repeatedly and removed his name. Air has filed a case against NAMS authorities at the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). He said CIAA officials have assured him they would act on Sunday.

Employees at Bir Hospital have alleged that NAMS officials have derived financial benefit by removing Air´s name. "This is not the first time NAMS has barred a rightful candidate from further studies," said an employee on condition of anonymity.

A staff nurse who was deprived of her studies despite passing the entrance exam also filed a case at the CIAA some months ago.

Prof. Ramesh Rana, assistant dean at NAMS, said that incorrect results had been published due to technical errors and were corrected later. He concedes that Air´s name was removed from the previous result as he scored less than other candidates. "Due to a computer virus, some files were deleted and Air´s name was published," said Rana, adding, "It would have been a mistake if we had not corrected the previous mistake." He denied allegations of financial benefit. "One can check the computer," he said.

Dr Mukunda Panthi, registrar at NAMS, said he has heard about the problem but was unaware about the details. NAMS had taken the exams on May 4. Sixty-two examinees contested 14 seats and these were open to all.

The Ministry of Health and Population has opened the seats to all eligible students for the first time. Earlier, only health workers at government health centers could contest. Those who have been practicing at private centers have to work first for three years compulsorily.

source: republica,12 may 2013