by Nimesh Chandra
T
he Indian healthcare scenario is experiencing unprec-
edented change. The phenomenal rise in patient out-
comes, sustained efforts in disease management –
both chronic and common -- ever increasing emphasis on
resources, and changing delivery and payment mechanisms
is seen to have a profound impact on the medical profession-
als’ day-to-day practice.
It is now the time for accelerated action and novel approach-
es to medical education in the country that will facilitate the
improvements in healthcare delivery and stewardship of
resources which India needs while more directly meeting
the needs of medical students in the 21st century. For this
to happen, we need to have the best of medical schools and
establish more schools for the future.
Why good institutions?
There are quite a few good indicators (as has also been speci-
fied by the Medical Council of India) that identify and enable
the creation of finest medical schools. Accreditation is one
among them which assesses the learning and engagement
process of the students during their tenured programme.
Selection of students through a rigorous competitive nation-
al or regional-level entrance test is another profound crite-
rion for a good medical institution. It is no joke that over 1.
million students appeared for the NEET 2019 undergradu-
ate programme for just 65,000-odd seats in MBBS.
Faculty members in institutions play a crucial role in build-
ing the institution and sustaining it. Their qualification,
experience and outreach define the progress. Yet another
factor is the job placements, which in other professions such
as engineering, pharmacy and management is a key differen-
tiator among good institutions. However, in medical schools
the priority for graduates is more towards higher studies and
gaining practical experience.
One of the most important indicators of a good medical
school is the research outcomes. This can be in terms of the
institute’s research activities, the research presentations
and publications by its people, or indulging in intellectual
property creation or innovations. The answer to the ques-
tion, ‘Why good institutions?’ is obvious. Only exceptional
and outstanding students would bring in the momentum for
change in better medical education and practice.
So, go ahead and make your choice to study in an institution
that suits you the best. Good Luck!
While public institutions such as
AIIMS, MAMC and UCMS, all in
New Delhi, take the lead, private
medical schools like CMC Vellore
and KMC Manipal are not far
behind...