MCI’s proposal to start rural MBBS course invites sharp criticism

There has been increasing opposition to the Medical Council of India's proposal to start a rural MBBS course called Bachelor of Rural Medicine and Surgery (BRMS) in district hospitals with even former Vice-Chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Indian Medical Association and several others voicing their objection. A meeting has now been called on February 4 in New Delhi to take stock of the issue.

Dr Mrudula Phadke, former Vice-Chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik has pointed out that while it was important to upgrade the health facilities in rural India and attract doctors to serve in rural areas, a short-term course is no solution. "When medical graduates who study for some six years are liable to err, how can those who have studied for lesser duration do better," she asked.

The programme is aimed at solving the problem of shortage of doctors in rural areas and MCI proposes to encourage students from notified rural areas to take up the BRMS course and then work in district hospitals and public health centres there. The four-year BRMS programme is to be conducted in district hospitals (medical schools). A maximum of 25 students will be selected and taught by retired professors. The curriculum for the course has been finalised and the course is to be launched this year. After completion of the course, these rural doctors will, however, not be allowed to serve in any city hospitals as their services will be limited only to district hospitals and primary health centres in their state, says Dr Dilip Sarda, president of the city unit of the IMA, and added that they were not in favour of the proposal.

Dr Arun Jamkar, Dean of B J Medical College raised doubts about the utility of the course. He also wondered how the proposal to reduce the number of years would benefit citizens in rural areas. Are they sub-standard citizens residing in rural areas, he wondered, adding that it was important to upgrade the health facilities in rural areas. Students for these would be essentially domiciled in rural areas and will be given license to practice in rural areas only.

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