In a joint letter, the chairperson of the Library Committee and the Chief Librarian have informed all department heads that in spite of timely proposals and lot of persuasion, the hospital management had failed to make allocations for medical journals and Internet connections. With little money at its disposal the Library Committee may also find it difficult to buy new books. ``The Library Committee regrets the non-availability of journals for 1997 and 1998 and books for 1998,'' the letter says.

The students are shocked. ``This is for the first time in the history of the one of the oldest medical colleges in the country that the subscription of medical journalshas not been renewed. This move will certainly affect our studies and research work as medical journals and books are the main source of information for us,'' a student told Express Newsline.

A senior teacher said leading publishing houses, both in India and abroad, come out with comprehensive journals in broad specialities as well as super-specialities. While some of these journals are published monthly, others are quarterly or bi-yearly. ``These journals keep updating the information helping students in keeping abreast of the latest trends in different branches of medicine and surgery,'' he said.

In 1996 the college had procured medical journals and books worth Rs 6 lakh. However, in 1997-98, a proposal worth Rs 18 lakh for the same was turned down. ``It is the Dean's responsibility to ensure that adequate funds are made available for books and periodicals,'' a student said.

Some other students feel it's an indication of ``bad times.'' They said it was hoped that after Dr Daulatrao Aher and DrVijaykumar Gavit took over as the Minister of Health and the Minister of State for Health respectively things would change for better. ``But that has not happened. Huge amounts are being spent on installing costly equipment, which are never used. Though we are not against bringing in new technology, it should not affect other expenditures.''

Senior teachers said it was a matter of serious concern that despite specific proposals the Dean of the College had failed to make necessary financial provision for books and periodicals. ``It is essential that the government fix responsibility for the lapse to ensure that it is not repeated again in future,'' the teacher added.