Private MBBS Students Now to Learn Autopsy in Govt Medical Colleges, DME Kerala Issues Order

Kochi: The MBBS students belonging to the private medical colleges in Kerala are now allowed to study autopsy procedures at the government medical colleges. However, after getting permission, the private institutes will have to pay Rs 10,000 in order to witness 10 to 15 procedures.

Issuing an order in this regard, the State Directorate of Medical Education (DME) mentioned, "The principal of government medical colleges should refer the applications received from the institutions under the Kerala University of Health Services to witness the postmortem procedure to the DME. The institutions which get permission should pay an amount of Rs 10,000 to witness 10 to 15 procedures."

The guidelines by the National Medical Commission (NMC) make it mandatory for the students to observe 15 postmortem procedures. However, only government medical colleges are allowed to conduct autopsy procedures in Kerala. Therefore, it was difficult for private medical college students and their teachers to witness such procedures.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that raising this issue, an assistant professor of forensic medicine at Wayanad's Dr. Moopen's Medical College, Dr. Sreelakshmi in a Facebook post had explained the hardships faced by the students and teachers of the private medical colleges in the State.

Also Read: Kerala Private MBBS Students likely to be Allowed to Learn Autopsy in Govt Medical Colleges

As per the doctor, in accordance with the NMC guidelines, students must be provided with a facility to witness postmortem examinations. She mentioned, "The previous guidelines mandated only 10 procedures. It is now been increased to 15. Another option is video demonstration. However, video demonstrations are not enough for students to learn how to perform autopsy. They require better exposure."

Even though DME officials claimed that an order issued in 2020 allowed the MBBS students from any medical colleges affiliated to Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) to observe and learn autopsy at general and district hospitals in the State, the doctor pointed out that facilities at the autopsy rooms of district and general hospitals are limited.

She mentioned, "Such hospitals only perform a limited number of such examinations. Moreover, these might not be carried out every day. Space limitations are also a hindrance. Also, in case of any complications, cases are referred to medical colleges. Moreover, not all general hospitals have the facility.

Dr. Sreelakshmi also pointed out that in other States autopsy procedures are performed even in private medical colleges. She asked, "Postmortem procedures in our government medical colleges are excellent. When we have the facility, why should we go to the medical colleges in other states?"

Meanwhile, taking note of the social media post, State Health Minister Veena George took cognisance of the issue. The Government decided to allow the students of private medical colleges to witness and learn postmortem procedures in government medical colleges.

In this regard, Minister George issued directions to the Director of the Department of Medical Education (DME) to look into the matter and submit a report regarding the same.

As per the latest media report by The New Indian Express, providing relief to these students, the Kerala DME has now issued an order and allowed the students of private medical colleges to study autopsy procedures at government medical colleges. The institutions which will get the permission in this regard, will have to pay an amount of Rs 10,000 in order to witness 10 to 15 procedures. 

"The principal of government medical colleges should refer the applications received from the institutions under the Kerala University of Health Services to witness the postmortem procedure to the DME," stated the order issued by DME.

Also Read: Postmortems to be conducted even after sunset in Delhi Govt hospitals