PPP model is the way forward to reshape medical education in India: NMC Chairman

Also Read: 10 new medical colleges in Andhra to come up under PPP model

As per the latest media report by the Times of India, while attending the inauguration of the renovated Indian Medical Association (IMA) office at Koti, Dr. Sheth said, "Many district hospitals are now being upgraded by private players to serve as medical education hubs due to this brownfield medical college policy. Thousands of patients are receiving quality care. For private partners, this is more about recognition than profit, and it helps utilise their CSR funds effectively, which might not go in the right direction at times. It is a win-win for both public and private sectors."

NMC Chairman's endorsement of the PPP model has come at a time when states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Gujarat are rapidly adopting these partnerships.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that last month, the Andhra Pradesh Government announced a public-private partnership model for setting up 10 new medical colleges for faster implementation, higher quality standards, and wider healthcare access in the State. This move was aimed to address long-standing gaps in medical education and public health infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. As a part of this plan, it was announced that 10 medical colleges would be developed and operated under the PPP mode for speed, quality, and state-wide reach.

However, former Chief Secretary Dr PV Ramesh, along with several public health experts, had earlier cautioned that the Government's plan to introduce the PPP model in government medical colleges could jeopardise the health security of six crore residents in the State, The New Indian Express had reported. Such a concern was voiced at a roundtable meeting jointly organised by Praja Arogya Vedika and Jana Vigyan Vedika at Balaotsava Bhavan in Vijayawada.

Emphasising that healthcare is a fundamental constitutional right that the Government must safeguard, Dr. Ramesh had asserted, "Even in highly developed countries, the State shoulders the bulk of healthcare expenditure. Public health spending should be viewed as an investment, not an expense. Transferring control of government medical colleges to private entities under the guise of PPP is an anti-people act."

Dr. Ramesh had called on intellectuals, civil society, and political parties to unite in opposition. Meanwhile, Praja Arogya Vedika president Dr. MV Ramanaiah warned that poor patients risk losing access to free treatment under the PPP management. He further criticised proposals to sell half the seats at exorbitant fees.

Meanwhile, TOI has reported that during his visit to Hyderabad, apart from endorsing the PPP model in medical education sector, Dr. Sheth also emphasised the need to ensure quality in India's medical education system. He opined that three core areas required focus- increasing the number of doctors across the nation, upgrading existing processes by reviewing assessment methods in medical examinations, and enhancing the overall quality of medical education.

He also expressed concerns about the surge in medical colleges lacking proper infrastructure, faculty, and clinical equipment, especially after the recent inspections found many deficiencies in Telangana, West Bengal, and Karnataka medical colleges.

Acknowledging significant gaps in quality, Dr. Sheth added, "While plans are in place to increase MBBS seats, we must simultaneously improve postgraduate opportunities, competency-based training, and adopt digital learning methods."

Dr. Sheth also emphasised the need for better integration between public and private healthcare institutes, noting that sharing learning resources could greatly enhance training standards. He also suggested that bodies like IMA could organise a national mentorship programme through which senior and retired faculty, currently underutilised, could mentor students.

"Additionally, medical education must evolve beyond traditional physical teaching. With growing diseases and technological advances, we need to fully adopt competency-based education. Although the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) began this shift, progress has been slow. This is where NMC needs to work," he added.

Apart from the issue of implementing PPP model, Dr. Sheth also discussed about the implementation of the National Exit Test (NExT), a centralised exam, that is proposed to replace NEET PG and serve as a common licentiate and entrance test for PG medical courses.

Calling it a novel and promising idea, Dr. Sheth added that NExT is designed to assess clinical skills and practical readiness as well, unlike NEET. He added, "It will take time to frame the final structure as coordination with state universities is essential. Students also have concerns, as they already face many exams and feel that it might burden them further. A proper model can only be built after involving all stakeholders – universities, institutions, faculties, and students."

Regarding the issue of tackling quackery, which remains rampant, especially in Hyderabad and rural Telangana, where around 55,000 to 60,000 unauthorised practitioners exist, Dr. Sheth clarified that the enforcement primarily rests with the State Medical Councils and governments.

"The NMC, as the apex regulatory body, cannot directly act against individuals practising quackery. That responsibility lies with state medical councils (SMCs) and state govts. However, the NMC plays a crucial role in setting policies and guidelines to help minimise such practices," he said.

Addressing the issue of ongoing bribery allegations within NMC, which is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Dr. Sheth confirmed staff suspensions and promised reforms.