MCI issues certain relaxations in conduct of MD, MS, PG Diploma Practical exams

New Delhi: With the COVID-19 pandemic taking a toll on all the functionings of the medical education sector, the apex medical body the Board of Governors in Supersession of Medical Council of India (MCI BoG) has recently issued an advisory to medical colleges directing certain relaxations in the conduct of PG medical exams for Broad Specialty Courses. The relaxation primarily relates to clinical cases examinations during the practical exam of MD, MS and PG Diploma students 

The decision to relax the MD, MS and PG Diploma exam norms, was taken after the council received several representations from the concerned medical universities and state governments seeking some sort of modification in the conduct of practical examinations in clinical subjects (such as case-based scenarios/simulations) considering the prevailing situation of coronavirus pandemic and ensuring the safety of the examinees

Now, Regulation 14 (4) of the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations, 2000 inter alia regarding Clinical Practical and Oral states as under:-

For MD/MS {14 (4) I. (c) (i) - Clinical/Practical and Oral}

Clinical examination for the subjects in Clinical Science shall be conducted to test the knowledge and competence of the candidates for undertaking independent work as a Specialist/Teacher, for which candidates shall examine a minimum one long case and two short cases.

For Diploma {14 (4) III (b) - Clinical and Oral}

Clinical examination for the subjects in Clinical Science shall be conducted to test/aimed at assessing the knowledge and competence of the candidates for undertaking independent work as a Specialist/Teacher, for which candidates shall examine a minimum one long case and two short cases."

The advisory issued by Dr Rakesh Kumar Vats, Secretary-General of MCI BoG clearly states:

Due to COVID 19 Pandemic, most Medical Colleges have expressed their difficulty in adhering to the existing Regulations to examine the candidates by giving a minimum of one long or two short cases. Since the objective of the Practical Examination is to ascertain skills relevant to the Specialty as outlined in the respective Course Curricula, alternative methods of skill evaluation which may include simulations, case scenarios etc. may be used in lieu of clinical cases, wherever the latter is not feasible, as provided for in Regulations referred above for examination to be held in 2020.

The exception is one-time and is being made in view of COVID 19 Pandemic, the MCI order clearly declared.

To view the advisory in detail, click on the link attached below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/pdf_upload-130485.pdf