The real purpose of the medical college

Source: The post is based on the article “The real purpose of the medical college” published in “The Hindu” on 25th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.

News: In this article, author talks about the misconception of more medical colleges solving healthcare access issues in India. They argue for strengthening secondary-level healthcare, not just prioritizing tertiary care and medical education.

What are the realities and myths about medical colleges?

Myth about Medical Colleges:

Complete Healthcare Solution: There’s a widespread belief that establishing a medical college will address all healthcare needs of a district.

Boost in Opportunities: Locals often think that the presence of a medical college increases the chances of their children securing a medical seat.

Solution to Healthcare Access: Producing more medical professionals from more colleges is often seen as the solution to inadequate access to healthcare.

Reality about Medical Colleges:

Overload of Patients: Many medical colleges are crowded with patients needing primary or secondary care, which could be addressed at lower-level facilities.

Misplaced Focus: Over 80% of cases treated at medical colleges don’t need tertiary specialty care. Effective treatment can be given at lower levels, as seen in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Infrastructure Challenges: New medical colleges, like some AIIMS projects, often face setbacks due to poor infrastructure and connectivity.

Shift in Priorities: When district hospitals convert to medical colleges, the focus can shift from patient care to education.

What should be done?

Strengthen Secondary-Level Healthcare: Prioritize improving secondary-level care facilities, given that over 80% of cases at medical colleges could be treated at these lower levels.

Establish Efficient Referral Systems: India’s failure to implement a working referral system in tertiary-care facilities points to the need for a structured patient routing system. Such systems work in regions with functional secondary facilities, ensuring that patients receive care at the appropriate level.

Re-evaluate Hospital Conversions: Before converting district hospitals into medical colleges, consider their vital role in patient care. Some district hospitals, despite resisting conversion, have excelled in providing quality care, especially in trauma responses.

Focus on Current Challenges: Address existing issues like poor infrastructure, lack of specialists, and overcrowded medical colleges. The struggles faced by new AIIMS projects highlight the importance of this focus.

Educate the Public: Debunk myths surrounding medical colleges to ensure the public understands the importance of a balanced healthcare infrastructure.