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Source: The post Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 has been created, based on the article “Key concerns not addressed in new PG medical education regulations, say doctors” published in “The Hindu” on 6th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS 2- governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education.
News: The article discusses the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 in India, which have been criticized by doctors for not addressing work hours, mental health, and AI integration.
What is the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023(PGMER-23)?
The National Medical Commission (NMC) introduced the PGMER-23 with the goal of producing skilled specialists and medical educators in line with changing healthcare demands. Published on January 1, 2024, these regulations aim to improve the quality of postgraduate medical education in India. They provide a comprehensive framework for the advancement of medical training at the postgraduate level.
Key Objectives: They include recognizing community health needs, mastering specialty competencies, staying updated with advancements, fostering research, teaching skills, and exemplary citizenship.
Qualifications and Duration of Courses: Lists broad-specialty, super-specialty, diploma, PDCC, PDF courses, D.M./M.Ch with their durations.
Establishment of Post-Graduate Medical Institutions: No institution can start any course without NMC permission and must align with Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023.
Minimum Standards of Requirements: Institutions must meet standards in infrastructure, faculty, clinical material, and facilities, adhering to periodic PGMSR-2023 updates.
What criticisms exist regarding the PGMER-23?
Long Working Hours: Doctors express dissatisfaction as the guidelines lack specific limits on working hours, only vaguely offering “reasonable time for rest.”
Mental Health: There is a notable absence of measures for mental health and burnout prevention.
Irregular Stipends: Doctors are concerned about the ongoing issue of irregular stipends not being addressed.
AI in Curriculum: The lack of guidelines for integrating Artificial Intelligence in the curriculum is a major concern.
Inclusivity Issues: The regulations offer a 5% reservation for doctors with disabilities but have been criticized for not incorporating the recommendations from “Doctors with Disabilities: Agents of Change.” Furthermore, the introduction of terms like ‘moderate’ dyslexia and the exclusion of mental illness and autism contradict existing laws and ignore Supreme Court directives (Vibhushita Sharma petition), indicating a lack of thorough inclusivity.
What is the view of the National Medical Commission (NMC)?
Groundbreaking Reforms: The NMC believes the regulations bring groundbreaking reforms to postgraduate medical education, enhancing quality and standards.
Inclusivity and Ethics: They emphasize the regulation’s focus on fostering inclusivity and ethical practice in the medical field.
Non-migration Policy: The NMC supports prohibiting student migration between institutions as a part of these reforms.
Alignment with Laws: They note that seat reservations will align with prevailing state and union territory laws.
Question for practice:
What are the key criticisms of the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 by the medical community in India?
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