Med edu rule tweak to hit MSc, PhD degree-holders

Med edu rule tweak to hit MSc, PhD degree-holders

NMC Changes Proportion Of Non-Clinical Faculty

Rema.Nagarajan@timesgroup.com

28.03.2021 

In the midst of soaring demand for faculty with hundreds of medical colleges being opened across India, the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) teacher eligibility and qualification guidelines have slashed the proportion of teachers with MSc/PhD degree in non-clinical subjects from medical colleges who can be hired as faculty. This change in guideline is expected to affect thousands with such degrees already teaching in medical colleges and those studying for these degrees.

Earlier guidelines of the Medical Council of India allowed the appointment of candidates with medical MSc/PhD qualifications to be appointed as teachers in the five non-clinical specialities to the extent of 30% (50% in Biochemistry) of the total faculty strength.

The National MSc Medical Teachers Association (NMMTA) has launched a nation-wide agitation against the new guidelines. NMC was expected to carry forward the MCI’s guidelines. The draft released for public feedback by NMC was in tune with the MCI norms. However, when the finalized norms were published through a gazette notification, the permissible percentage was halved to 15% in Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry and completely removed for Pharmacology and Microbiology disciplines, sending shockwaves among the Medical MSc/PhD community.

In an FAQ released subsequently, it was clarified that the latest notification would apply to new medical colleges starting 2021-22 MBBS batch. The guidelines would also apply to existing colleges that seek to enhance MBBS seats. Also, all new appointments in old and new medical colleges alike would be as per the new norms.

“Despite an increase in the MD seats in the non-clinical specialities, 40-50% of them remain vacant each year, as most MBBS graduates prefer PG in clinical specialities. Therefore, faculty deficiency in the non-clinical specialities will continue. The faculty positions in many colleges are still vacant despite several rounds of interviews as candidates with MBBS/MD qualifications are unavailable. Suitably qualified teachers with Medical MSc/PhD qualifications could fill that void”, stated Arjun Maitra, General Secretary of NMMTA. He added NMC being doctordominated was prejudiced against non-doctors and sought the health ministry’s intervention in the matter.

“With the new guidelines in place, the current faculties, especially in pharmacology and microbiology, would be forced to remain in the same job. With no other prospects, these faculties could be subjected to a variety of harassments and denials of opportunities including promotions or salary hikes”, said Dr Sridhar Rao, President of the association.

“Hundreds of such teachers are currently working on tenure or contract basis. Medical colleges are refusing to continue or renew their services citing the new guidelines. All of them would be rendered jobless. NMC’s statement that existing faculties wouldn’t be affected is untrue. Tutors are being denied promotions. A couple of teachers have already been sacked”, said Maitra.

“Over a thousand students, who are pursuing their 3-year Medical MSc courses in the 35-odd medical colleges across India, will be affected”, said Dr Ayan Das, joint secretary representing Delhi.

The practice of appointing non-doctors as teachers in non-clinical subjects dates back to the 1960s, when there was an acute shortage of teachers with MBBS/MD qualifications.

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