MBBS in Hindi: Dr NTR University demands 5 years for changing medium of instruction

Vijaywada: While Madhya Pradesh is all set to introduce MBBS in Hindi, the Vice-chancellor of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences (NTRUHS), Dr. Syama Prasad Pigilam has clarified that they will not allow medical education in Hindi or any other regional languages in Andhra Pradesh.

He has demanded a minimum five years' of time for changing the medium of instruction. Besides, the NTRUHS VC has also expressed his wonder about the fact that Madhya Pradesh Government published the Hindi version MBBS books within no time without any proper discussion.

This comes after the Union Government's proposal for implementing Hindi or regional languages as a medium of instruction for professional courses including MBBS. Medical Dialogues had earlier reported about the recent announcement about introducing MBBS education in Hindi in the State of Madhya Pradesh. As per the decision three MBBS subjects- anatomy, physiology and biochemistry- would be taught in Hindi to first-year MBBS students in all 13 government medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh.

Besides, it was decided that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah would launch the first-year MBBS textbooks, which have been translated from English into Hindi, during a programme at Motilal Nehru Stadium on Sunday.

Also Read: Madhya Pradesh: Amit Shah to launch first-year MBBS books in Hindi

However, a section of doctors are not happy with the Government's move and in this regard, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has stated that the step will take the country 50 years behind in the coming 10 years.

As per the latest media report by The New Indian Express, while commenting on the issue, the Vice-chancellor of Dr NTRUHS, Dr. Syama Prasad Pigilam has pointed out that due to such a move, the students will face severe problems while working in other countries. "Mother tongue is used as the medium of instruction in countries like China, Russia and Germany, but the same cannot be done in India as there are several languages," explained Dr Prasad.

He also mentioned that after completing MBBS in Hindi or any other regional languages, the students might require a bridge course before opting for higher studies.

Dr. Prasad, who is also a member of the National Medical Commission (NMC) expressed his wonder about publication of MBBS books in Hindi within no time and mentioned, "There was no discussion regarding the implementation of Hindi or regional languages as the medium of instruction. Although I am an NMC member, I was not informed of any such proposal."

He further advised the government for discussing this issue with seniors, experts and academicians of every college before implementing it. He also noted that teaching the UG medical course in Hindi language would be difficult for faculty members at medical colleges. 

Meanwhile, the Government's decision of commencing MBBS in Hindi or other regional languages has been opposed by the experts, doctors and academicians as well. In this regard, the Honorary President of Telugu Bhasodyama Samakhya and a veteran Ayurvedic medicine practitioner Dr Samala Ramesh Babu referred to the fact that the southern States may face problem to continue in the Indian Union if the Central Government forcefully implements its ideology. Therefore, he demanded publication of MBBS textbooks in all the regional languages that are recognised by the Indian Constitution.

While commenting on this, the State President of Andhra Pradesh Government Doctors' Association, Dr Jayadheer said, "If the proposal is implemented, students of India cannot present their thesis on global platforms and they will not understand thesis of other researchers from foreign countries. The Centre's decision will create long-term problems." He further demanded that English remains as the medium of instruction for MBBS students.