NMC responds to Parliamentary Committee Report on aspects of MBBS education, shares recommendations

New Delhi: Answering to the recommendations made by the 126th Report Of Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee (DRSC) of The Health And Family Welfare On Demand Number 44-Department Of Health And Family Welfare For 2021-22, the National Medical Commission has shared its responses 

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported about the 126th Report Of Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee (DRSC) of The Health And Family Welfare On Demand Number 44-Department Of Health And Family Welfare For 2021-22. The report had discussed various aspects of Indian healthcare, and also issues related to Medical education in the light of the pandemic 

The Committee in its report had noted (44- Deptt. of H &FW, GOI, regarding 4.123.)

The Committee acknowledges the apprehension of the students, who sought admission to MBBS course through NEET exam conducted in September, 2020. The Committee also notes the strategy of the Department wherein the course duration of the first year MBBS curriculum has been condensed to 11 months from 12 months. The Committee recommends the Department to strike a balance between the students concern and the need for covering the learning loss due to outbreak of pandemic Covid-19. The Committee further recommends the Department to take effective measures to allay the concerns of the students causing stress and mental agony due to additional hours of learning but without compromising on the quality of education imparted and the learning loss.

With the department forwarding the same to the NMC, an expert group committee was formed by the UGMEB consisting of members from all across the country. The committee has addressed to the issues in the demand raised in the report. Corresponding to each point the committee of the NMC shared its recommendations. 

The break up of these issues and recommendations are given below

ISSUE 1 : - No Apprehension of the students, who sought admission to MBBS course through NEET exam conducted in September, 2020. The course duration of 1st MBBS reduced from 12 months to 11 months in lieu of covid-19 pandemic:- to take effective measures to allay the concerns of students causing stress and mental agony due to additional hours of learning but without compromising on quality of education imparted and learning loss (2019, 2020 CBME batches — reduced duration from 12 to 11 months Effective measures):-

Recommendation:-

The NMC made the following recommendation 

• No change in the schedule of examinations. The students must be oriented towards the schedule of examination (as prescribed by NMC — ref circular NMC 25.11.2020) on a priority basis by the respective university/institute.

• Focus on practical skills training.

• Focus on core curriculum.

• One-time relaxation for the eligibility criteria to appear in the university exam can be considered (internal Assessment marks- 40% instead of 50%).

• One time 5% relaxation in Attendance for eligibility in appearing for University exam (70% theory and 75% practical).

• The universities/Institutes/colleges should also take measures at their level to allay stress.

ISSUE 2. Representation from students and parents' association to conduct 2nd supplementary examination for students who failed in supplementary examination of 1st MBBS, to save their year:-

Recommendation:-

The NMC refused to consider this recommendation and noted the following 

• Not to be considered

• Even if 2nd supplementary exam is conducted, the students will join Phase 2 much later & eventually will face the same problem for II MBBS. Hence should not be considered.

• Students will have to complete one year course of 2nd phase in six months. This may ultimately affect his/her learning & result in 2nd Phase exam.

ISSUE 3- Suggestions regarding induction/foundation course in 1st MBBS and its redistribution:-

On this matter, NMC made the following recommendation

Recommendation:-

• The foundation course (as prescribed by NMC) can be split into one week of Foundation (orientation module) followed by spreading out of other modules/competencies over a period of first six months. A structured approach for the same must be prepared centrally.

• Charak Shapath, Yoga, wellness, humanities, and other extracurricular activities (cycling day, no fuel day , walkathon, marathons etc) should be implemented in a structured manner in all professional years prospectively (including foundation course) , to ensure mental health and well being of students.

ISSUE 4-  Duration of 2nd MBBS and suggestions for modification:-

On this matter, NMC made the following recommendation

Recommendation:-

• No modification suggested.

• Has already been adjusted to take care of COVID-19 based on suggestions from NMC.

• Colleges should be monitored for effective implementation of reduced duration of 2nd MBBS in new curriculum.

• Colleges have already been suggested in the new GMER to do appropriate integration of 2nd MBBS subjects during their later clinical phases and curriculum.

• Should take care of core curriculum suggested in teaching-learning and assessment.

To view the official NMC response, click on the following link:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/notice-163137.pdf