IMA Opposes the Government’s Proposal for Geriatric Nursing Practitioners

T”puram: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has raised strong objections to the central government’s recent proposal to introduce geriatric nursing practitioners in India. The IMA argues that the move undermines the professional and educational framework of modern medicine, specifically the role of qualified doctors.

IMA’s Stand on Geriatric Nursing Practitioners

According to the Indian Medical Association, the proposal to create a new category of healthcare professionals—geriatric nursing practitioners—is both inappropriate and unnecessary. IMA state president Dr. Joseph Benavan emphasized that, according to the National Medical Council (NMC) guidelines, the fundamental qualification for diagnosing and treating patients in modern medicine remains an MBBS degree.

“The introduction of geriatric nursing practitioners, with the aim of allowing nursing graduates to treat patients independently, is not acceptable under modern medical practice. Geriatrics, being a specialized area of healthcare, requires in-depth knowledge and clinical expertise that can only be gained through a formal medical education,” said Dr.Benavan.

Concerns Over New Roles for Nurses

The IMA’s concerns are rooted in the proposed shift that would allow nursing graduates, after receiving specialized education under the Nursing Council, to take on roles typically reserved for doctors. The association expressed strong disapproval of the idea of conferring the title of ‘doctor’ on nursing professionals, highlighting the distinction between the roles of nurses and doctors.

“Nurses play a critical role in healthcare, supporting doctors in patient care, but their responsibilities and training are distinct. The nursing profession is structured to complement the medical profession, not replace it,” added Dr. K. Shashidharan, IMA state secretary.

Dr. Shashidharan further reiterated that while the IMA recognizes and values the essential contributions of nurses, they believe that introducing geriatric nursing practitioners could potentially diminish the value of the MBBS degree and deny medical graduates the career opportunities they deserve.

The IMA’s Proposed Alternatives

Rather than introducing geriatric nursing practitioners, the IMA suggests that the government should focus on enhancing opportunities for doctors in the specialized field of geriatric medicine. They argue that the best way to address the needs of an aging population is by investing in postgraduate courses in geriatric medicine and family medicine. This would provide medical graduates with the specialized training required to treat elderly patients with complex medical conditions.

The IMA leaders have also called for the establishment of more institutions offering geriatric nursing courses, which would better serve the nursing community and contribute to the growing demand for geriatric care. This, they argue, would help ensure that both doctors and nurses are adequately trained to meet the needs of an aging population while maintaining clear professional boundaries.

Government’s Role in Geriatric Care

The IMA has also urged the central government to take the necessary steps to address the shortage of healthcare professionals specializing in geriatrics. With the elderly population in India expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, there is an increasing demand for specialized medical care for senior citizens.

The association has called for a collaborative approach, where medical professionals, nurses, and healthcare institutions work together to meet the complex healthcare needs of elderly patients. IMA leaders are optimistic that through the introduction of more specialized programs, including geriatric care, India can adequately prepare for the challenges posed by an aging population.

Looking Forward: A Unified Approach to Geriatric Healthcare

The IMA’s resistance to the introduction of geriatric nursing practitioners stems from a broader concern about maintaining high standards in medical practice and ensuring that patient care is provided by appropriately qualified professionals. However, the association is also open to reforms that will benefit both doctors and nurses and improve healthcare delivery for senior citizens.

“Instead of creating unnecessary new roles, the focus should be on building a well-structured, comprehensive education and training system in geriatric care for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. Only then will we ensure that our elderly population receives the quality care they deserve,” concluded Dr.Benavan.

UGMEB director Shambhu Sharan Kumar stated in a letter to the IGMC & RI dean/principal that the Medical evaluation and Rating Board (MARB) appointed assessors to perform an evaluation after the government institute appealed for continuation of recognition of the MBBS degree.

The National Medical Commission’s Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) recently denied acceptance of the MBBS degree conferred by Pondicherry University to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (IGMC & RI), Puducherry. The board made this judgment after recognising shortcomings in the faculty and footage from cameras set in the institute. The government institute, however, has been given the right to appeal this verdict before the National Medical Commission.

Evaluation and Deficiencies

Following the government institute’s appeal for the continuation of recognition of the MBBS degree, the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), constituted by UGMEB, performed an assessment. MARB assessors conducted a virtual assessment during the final MBBS practical examinations in April of last year, followed by a physical verification of the facilities in January of this year.

The board detected various flaws after evaluating the assessment reports, as well as the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) and Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) data, including CCTV footage. These flaws were then addressed to the institute, with a request for a response. Following receipt of the response, the board convened a virtual hearing with institute administrators on May 15, this year, to further assess the issue.

Response Unsatisfactory and UGMEB Decision

Following the hearing and careful evaluation of the facts and compliance, the UGMEB concluded that the college authorities’ reaction was unacceptable. The institute, IGMC & RI, continued to fall short of meeting the basic AEBAS requirements for faculty and resident doctors, as well as the installation and operation of cameras. Based on this evaluation, UGMEB denied the application for continued recognition of the MBBS degree (150 seats) conferred by Pondicherry University to students doing training at IGMC & RI, Puducherry.

It is worth noting, however, that the government institute has been given the right to appeal this decision to the National Medical Commission. This gives the institute the opportunity to submit its case and fix the flaws identified by UGMEB. The appeals process allows IGMC and RI to present further evidence or modifications that may influence the decision’s outcome.

The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the National Medical Commission rejected recognition for the MBBS degree awarded by Pondicherry University to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (IGMC & RI), Puducherry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards in medical education. The UGMEB made its judgment based on evaluation reports, Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) data, and CCTV footage that highlighted inadequacies in the faculty and camera installation/function at the institute.

The rejection of recognition is a big setback for IGMC & RI because it affects the future of students pursuing MBBS degrees at the institute. It emphasizes the importance of institutions adhering to the basic requirements imposed by regulatory organizations in order to promote excellent education and student well-being.

It is worth mentioning, however, that the UGMEB has allowed the government institute to appeal to the National Medical Commission. This gives IGMC & RI the opportunity to submit their case and correct the flaws found by the UGMEB. The appeals process allows the institute to correct the deficiencies and demonstrate its commitment to sustaining the criteria required for MBBS degree recognition.

The UGMEB ruling and ensuing appeal procedure demonstrate the accountability and scrutiny that medical colleges and institutes in India endure. It emphasizes the significance of ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that educational institutions maintain the essential standards and offer an atmosphere favorable to learning and growth.

Finally, the UGMEB and other regulating agencies want to make sure that medical students have quality education and training so that they can become competent and compassionate healthcare providers. The acceptance of MBBS degrees is critical in verifying medical graduates’ educational qualifications and guaranteeing their readiness to serve the society.