Docs flag removal of respiratory med depts from MBBS syllabus

Docs flag removal of respiratory med depts from MBBS syllabus 

NMC Justified It Saying It’s To Reduce Load 

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesofindia.com 22.11.2024 

New Delhi : Members of Indian Chest Society (ICS) have expressed concern regarding the recent removal of specialised respiratory medicine departments from the MBBS syllabus, as outlined in the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) 2023 guidelines that took effect this year. The alteration comes at a time when there is an increasing prevalence of respiratory disorders associated with pollution and various pulmonary conditions in many parts of the country, especially in the national capital and neighbouring areas. 

Medical experts have criticised National Medical Commission’s justification for re ducing the academic load on MBBS students, noting it as an unreasonable stance, given the growing need for primary physicians to address the surge in respiratory conditions. Dr GC Khilnani, director of respiratory medicine at PSRI Hospital and ICS (north zone) chair, highlighted India’s position among the world’s most polluted nations. He pointed out that PM2.5 exposure exceeds WHO safety guidelines for over 99% of Indians, requiring urgent action to reduce pollution and strengthen medical facilities. The health consequences are significant, with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions worsening when the air quality index turns hazardous, particularly affecting vulnerable groups. 

The Poseidon study, published in The Lancet in 2015, showed respiratory symptoms constitute over half of all medical consulta

tions in India. Dr Khilnani stressed the need for systematic improvements, particularly in developing comprehensive respiratory healthcare infrastructure, to address pollution-related medical challenges. As the chairman of respiratory medicine, critical care and sleep medicine at Saroj Superspeciality Hospital and Jaipur Golden Hospital, and vice-president of ICS, Dr Rakesh Chawla emphasised how respiratory medicine departments are essential for diagnosing and treating complex breathing disorders while backing broader health initiatives. He cautioned that removing these specialised departments would severely impact patient care, particularly in managing tuberculosis (TB), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pollution-related illnesses. Such actions would impede India’s efforts to eradicate TB, he added.