Transformation in Medical Education and Healthcare in India: What Changes Do Students Demand?

India, a nation with a vast population and a burgeoning healthcare system, is witnessing a keen need for transformation in both medical education and healthcare sectors. As a former medical student, my insights on the current system highlight several areas where significant changes are needed to improve the training of future healthcare professionals.

Challenging the Conventional

The archaic system of drawing histology diagrams in medical education, while perhaps rooted in historical practices, does not serve its purpose optimally. Drawing diagrams thrice just to perfect the art of using two separate pencils, costing more than a standard pencil, seems redundant. This practice, while useful for theory exams, does not justify the extensive time and resources invested in maintaining such notebook stacks. Instead, a more effective and practical method could be emulating the US/UK/European systems, focusing more on identifying cells under a microscope and understanding the underlying theories rather than merely drawing them.

Improving Clinical Exposure

Another area that requires attention is the allocation of time for clinical postings. Medical students often find the clinical hours insufficient, constraining their hands-on experience and practical skills. Enhancing the duration of these posts will not only provide a more comprehensive learning experience but also equip students with the essential skills needed to transition into clinical practice.

Admission Process Reform

The current admission processes for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) medical courses are overly reliant on objective measures, such as marks from MCQ exams. This approach necessitates a more holistic evaluation, including interview, essays, and other assessment techniques. This shift aims to identify candidates who are truly passionate about medical practice and research, not just those with high ranks.

For top colleges like All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Delhi Medical College (DMC), students can be required to have medical experience, such as shadowing a doctor or healthcare worker. This experiential learning can offer valuable insights into the practice of medicine and the real-world challenges faced by healthcare professionals. Additionally, research experience and quality improvement programs can be integrated into PG admissions to ensure candidates are well-rounded and capable of contributing to medical advancements.

Research Focus in Undergraduate Studies

While the research aspect of medical education often remains underutilized, there is a need for a more robust research component in UG courses. Many medical students question the relevance of research when they aim to be practicing clinicians. However, engaging in research can enhance the understanding of the disease processes, improve diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, and contribute to the overall progress of medicine.

Better Working Hours for Medical Residents

The current working hours for medical residents are often excessive and detrimental to their well-being. An overworked resident is not only a less effective learner but also at higher risk of burnout. Implementing stricter regulations on working hours will not only improve the residents' quality of life but also enhance the learning outcomes. Happy and well-rested residents are more likely to absorb and retain the knowledge and skills they need for clinical practice.

Increasing Hospital Infrastructure

India's healthcare system heavily relies on a few tertiary care centers, which can become overwhelmed and under-equipped. Opening more government hospitals can alleviate this burden and provide more access to quality care. Although not every government hospital needs to be a medical college, increasing the number of hospitals will generate more employment opportunities for healthcare staff and reduce the pressure on existing tertiary care centers. Additionally, a robust referral system, leveraging general practitioners (GPs), can help streamline the healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Transformation in medical education and healthcare in India is essential for producing competent and committed healthcare professionals. The reform suggested here aims to address the gaps in current practices and provide a more holistic and effective learning environment. By adopting a more comprehensive and inclusive approach, India can better prepare its medical students to face the challenges of the 21st-century healthcare environment.

Keywords: medical education, healthcare sector, medical student feedback