IMA requests MCI not to endorse 3.5 year medical degree program

In response to the three-week ultimatum given by Union Health Ministry to the Medical Council of India (MCI) on the 3.5 year medical degree program 'Bachelor of Rural Medicine' which it plans to roll out, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has requested MCI not to endorse it.

IMA has stated that MCI should not bend before the government and be firm in not compromising on the patients' safety. However, IMA has also offered to help the government in finding a solution to rural health.

According to an IMA official, "Lowering medical education standards is not a solution to shortage of modern medicine professionals in rural area. There are better ways to deal with the issue."

In 1946, mediocre short-term medical courses were abolished and IMA opines that MCI should not be bullied to reverse the process.

The Health Ministry claims that over 30% of primary health centres do not have a MBBS doctor but the fact is not supported by statistics. According to IMA, only 5.3% public health centres do not have qualified doctors.

Source: Ruchi Shrimali (Shiksha Team)