Indian medical curriculum needs modification

Updated on: Wednesday, December 16, 2009

In a changing world, educationalists feel that the Indian medical curriculum followed in the country seems to be outdated and the quality of education provided is below par in comparison to the global standard.

In a special interview to Kalvimalar, Mayil vahanan Natarajan, who took up the responsibility as the new vice-chancellor of Tamil Nadu Dr.M.G.R Medical University spoke:

Do you think present quality of medical education is good?

Generally, the syllabus should be modified depending upon the change of time and according to the latest technology. This change is highly essential for medical education. It is useless studying the syllabuses that were designed for the technology that was available during the studying time of teachers. Latest medical techniques and methodologies should be included in the syllabus. Towards which, the faculties need to equip themselves.

Medical degree obtained in India is not recognized in foreign countries, what is your opinion?

Non-availability of uniform education system in India is one of the main reasons towards this issue. In countries like Britain, it is possible to study medicine only after completing under graduation studies. Whereas in India, medical education is provided after the completion of plus two. So, without adequate maturity they pursue medical studies at very young age. Moreover, as there are several education systems in India several foreign countries are not convinced about our education set up.

Like culture, lifestyle, there is a vast difference in the usual diseases found in India and other countries. For example, the syllabus here in India focuses on treating diseases like diarrhea, typhoid. The situation is that the disintegration of knee joints is very high here in India, whereas in foreign countries the degeneration of the hip joints is highly prevalent. So, the curriculum is designed according to the requirement found in the country. Persons studying medicine in India are well versed with the treatment process for diseases found here in India. This is also one of the reasons for not accepting Indian medical degree.

Give your views about the commercialization of education and medicine, which are supposed to be highly essential and need to be provided with the service motive to the people?

Without sufficient income, it is difficult to operate these two sectors. Similarly, it is also wrong to work with a commercial motive. Hence, the persons engaged in these two sectors need to strike the right balance.

What are the plans for Tamil Nadu Dr.M.G.R Medical University?

The classes would be converted into interactive sessions. The university will try to bring out continuous up-dating in the syllabus according to the changes in the medical field and the requirements found in the country. Students would be educated on the mannerism to behave and talk with the patients and their relatives. A subject,effective communication would be included in the curriculum towards this. The university planning committee would be reinstated. Necessary changes would be brought out according to needs of the society within my jurisdiction.

Indian medical curriculum needs modification

More Education news