"We prefer JEE to NEET as students of Odisha may not compete with others in national level. We require more Odia doctors as they will serve in rural pockets of the state," said health and family welfare secretary P K Mohapatra.
Stating that the state faces shortage of doctors, he said there is no point in allowing students from other parts of the country to study under graduate course in medical colleges in the state.
"Once we accept NEET, the state would have to take outside students in medical colleges. It is not in the interest of the state," Mohapatra said.
Health and family welfare minister Damodar Rout said the state has presently implemented a policy where the students are required to work in rural areas for certain period or pay penalty.
"Once the students come through All India Medical Examination route, the state may not be able to make it mandatory for students to accept rural posting," he said.
The state's problem of doctors scarcity could not be solved if the government allows NEET instead of the state- level JEE, he added.
