MCI for overhaul of medical curriculum

MCI for overhaul of medical curriculum

TIMES OF INDIA

Ahmedabad: In a rare instance, senior members of Medical Council of India (MCI) interacted directly with medical students. At NHL medical college's Adrenaline Medical Conference held within VS Hospital campus on Sunday, the president of MCI, Dr Jayshree Mehta, along with past MCI president and president-elect of World Medical Association, Dr Ketan Desai and chairman of academic council, MCI, Dr Vedprakash Mishra accepted questions from a jam-packed audience including faculty at the college. The conference was moderated by Adit Desai, chairman of the Adrenaline Conference.

Many students at this interactive session were eager to learn from MCI president Jayshree Mehta whether there was any scope for research in the present medical curriculum. She replied, "The MCI has just recently given directions to create a research centre in every medical college to promote research activities amongst undergraduate and postgraduate students."

Another hot issue was the status of the National Entrance Eligibility Test (NEET) in the coming years. The NEET entrance exam will eliminate separate common entrance tests conducted by colleges, and instead prescribe a common exam for all undergraduate, as well for postgraduate courses across medical colleges. Dr Desai said, "A review petition has been filed by the MCI as wells as the central government with the constitution bench of five judges. The matter will be taken up for final hearing by the Supreme Court." Desai added, "In the meantime MCI has already recommended to the central government to amend the MCI Act to empower the MCI to conduct the NEET examination."

Dr Mishra assured the audience, "The MCI has recommended complete revamp of the curriculum to make it a competency-based curriculum."

Many students were also concerned over the affordability of medical education. They had asked as to how the MCI plans to increase social equity in medical education. Other questions revolved around inclusion of credit based award system, possibility of integrated learning in medical education. Adit Desai said, "This happens to be rare occasion where MCI panel members engaged directly with students. This interaction was successful, and I feel more such events should be held."