Bihar’s prestigious Government Medical College (GMC) Purnia is a centre for medical education. We shall examine GMC Purnia in depth in this article, including its affiliation, the distribution of MBBS seats, current advancements, faculty appointments, and its considerable impact on the state’s medical education system. Join us as we examine the unique qualities and accomplishments of the GMC Purnia on this educational adventure.

Overview of GMC Purnia

GMC Purnia is a prominent medical college dedicated to encouraging excellence in healthcare education. It is housed within the Aryabhatta Knowledge University in Patna. Recently, authorization was given for this prestigious university to accept 100 students for the MBBS programme in the forthcoming academic year of 2023–2024. The government’s commitment to increasing access to high-quality medical education in Bihar is reflected in this remarkable distribution of educational seats.

Optimistic Changes in Medical Education

As more medical specialists were required, the National Medical Commission (NMC) in Delhi appointed the 11th new Government Medical Officer in Bihar. As a result, GMC Purnia has been given permission to add 100 more MBBS seats, helping to bring the total number of medical seats in the state up to 1390. This significant advancement provides eager medical students with a better opportunity to realize their aspirations of becoming accomplished healthcare providers.

Dedication to high-quality education

The Off Medical Assessment and Rating Board’s thorough investigation led to the recognition and approval given to GMC Purnia. The review covered a detailed analysis of the college’s buildings, infrastructure, labs, library, dorms, hospitals, and the presence of qualified teaching personnel. Additionally, the evaluation of the nursing and paramedical staff was carefully reviewed, along with the expertise, publications, and residence of the tutors.

Selection of Faculty

GMC Purnia is extremely proud of its successful faculty because they are crucial in determining the direction of medical education in the future. The institution has welcomed 80 eminent faculty members from 21 different disciplines. The hiring of these highly competent individuals not only improves the academic standing of the college but also improves Bihar’s entire medical education environment.

Bihar: Improving medical education

The overall number of government medical college hospital seats in Bihar has impressively increased to 1390 with the addition of 100 MBBS seats at Purnia Medical College. With this addition and the current 1170 seats in private medical colleges, there are now 2560 seats overall available in the state for graduate-level medical studies. This sharp increase in possibilities for medical education demonstrates how committed the government is to supplying the region’s healthcare needs.

In summary, Government Medical College Purnia has become a model for excellence in Bihar’s medical education system. Aryabhatta Knowledge University, with which the college is affiliated, provides ambitious medical students with a supportive and intellectually engaging atmosphere. The recent distribution of 100 MBBS seats, the hiring of distinguished faculty members, and the determination to offering top-notch education show how committed GMC Purnia is to influencing the state’s healthcare system’s future. The college works to develop qualified medical professionals who will have a substantial influence on society while raising the bar for medical education.

Keep in mind that choosing GMC Purnia means embracing a future with limitless opportunities in the medical industry.

The Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) has taken strong action in response to the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) recent refusal of recognition for MBBS degree courses. In a proactive effort, the Vice-Chancellor has requested a meeting with the principals of three private medical colleges impacted by the NMC’s decision. This conference, set for Tuesday, intends to deliberate and examine options for restoring these colleges’ recognition and ensuring that MBBS admissions for this year are unaffected.

Intervention of the Governor

The Governor of Kerala, Arif Mohammed Khan, who also serves as Chancellor of the University, inspired this conference. After hearing an appeal from one of the private medical colleges that had lost recognition, the Governor directed the Vice-Chancellor to take action. Recognising the necessity of correcting the inadequacies and appealing the NMC’s decision, the Vice-Chancellor has accepted the Governor’s direction and is attempting to lead the affected colleges through the process of regaining recognition.

Maintaining Medical Education Standards in Medical Colleges of Kerala

The NMC’s decision to withhold certification to three private medical colleges of Kerala was based on a thorough review that revealed various flaws. These inadequacies included a paucity of associate and assistant professors, an insufficient number of tutors and demonstrators, and a lack of senior residents. In addition, flaws such as the adoption of an Aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance system (AEBAS), subpar ways of conducting annual checkups, and non-functioning cameras in the hospital area were identified.

Investigating Restoration Routes  in Medical Colleges of Kerala

The Vice-Chancellor’s meeting will debate and examine possibilities for appealing the NMC’s decision and regaining recognition for the impacted colleges. Each college will be able to address the specific inadequacies identified by the NMC and propose corrective steps to address them. The Vice-Chancellor hopes to help the colleges towards a successful appeal procedure that assures compliance with the NMC’s standards by participating in constructive discourse.

University Assistance and Direct Communication

Aside from the conference, the University will actively support the impacted colleges by interacting directly with the Apex medical commission. On behalf of the colleges, the University will issue a formal letter pressing the NMC to expedite the hearing process. This proactive measure aims to emphasize the importance of the situation and ensure that the restoration of recognition is completed as soon as possible. By immediately interacting with the NMC, the University hopes to protect students’ interests and avoid any negative influence on this year’s MBBS admissions.

Impact on Medical School Seats

The NMC’s refusal to recognise three private medical institutions in Kerala could result in the loss of around 450 MBBS seats in the state. Among the affected institutions are Thrissur’s Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram’s Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Hospital & Medical College, and Thiruvananthapuram’s Sree Gokulam Medical College & Research Foundation. Because of the loss of recognition, Jubilee Mission Medical College has lost 100 medical seats, while each of the other two medical colleges has lost 150 seats.

Seats are being reduced even further.

Separately, the Apex medical education governing body’s UG Board has cut the number of medical seats at Sree Uthradom Thirunal Academy of Medical Sciences (SUTAMS) in Thiruvananthapuram. The institute, located in Kerala’s capital city, has lost 50 of its 100 MBBS seats due to noncompliance with the NMC’s stipulated requirements.

Providing High-Quality Medical Education

The NMC’s actions, including the denial of recognition to certain medical colleges, highlight the critical need of maintaining the highest standards of medical education. The NMC’s inspections are critical for assessing the quality of medical colleges and ensuring they provide an excellent learning environment. To maintain the intended standards, universities must swiftly correct any detected inadequacies. Colleges may file an appeal against the NMC’s decision when they have effectively remedied the identified flaws.

An Increased Regulatory Effort

The denial of recognition to medical institutions in Kerala is part of the NMC’s larger endeavor to ensure conformity with prescribed standards throughout the country. The NMC has already de-recognized roughly 40 medical colleges in the last two months due to non-compliance with the mandated norms. This focus on noncompliance has been accompanied by increased monitoring of approximately 100 other medical institutes, which may face similar penalties if they fail to fulfill the NMC’s criteria.

The Next Steps

While the loss of recognition is obviously a huge blow for the impacted medical institutions, it is crucial to remember that the decision can be challenged. Dr. Rajeev Sood, a member of the NMC, has told medical schools that de-recognition is not rare and that they can appeal the decision. The affected medical colleges in Kerala have a good foundation to navigate the appeals process and work towards recovering their recognition thanks to the Vice-Chancellor’s proactive stance and the University’s support.

The Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) has cancelled the affiliation of Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) following the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) decision to prohibit the institute from admitting new MBBS students for the academic year 2023-2024. Dr. Nirmal Ouseppachan, Registrar of the University, acknowledged the cancellation of the affiliation, claiming that the medical college failed to meet the standards set by the premier medical education regulating authority. The NMC and a panel from BFUHS both found major shortcomings in CMCH’s faculty, patient load, and infrastructure.

CMCH has glaring deficiencies.

A five-member delegation from Baba Farid University of Health Sciences inspected Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital earlier this year and discovered serious flaws in patient load, faculty, and facilities. According to the panel’s findings, the institute, which had been approved by the NMC the previous year, lacked suitable facilities and presented a threat to the careers of its MBBS students due to a lack of patients, infrastructure, and lecturers. The Punjab Government took note of these issues and brought them to the attention of Anurag Agarwal, the State Additional Chief Secretary of Medical Education and Research.

CMCH EGrave Concerns Have Serious Deficits As stated by the Punjab Government

Anurag Agarwal wrote to the NMC Director, expressing extreme worry about the situation at Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital. He stated that, despite getting NMC permission, the college failed to follow statutory norms and guidelines. In addition to physical concerns, the Additional Chief Secretary raised the issue of the college charging students more than the authorised rates. He emphasised the importance of taking quick action against the college administration to ensure compliance with the NMC’s rules and regulations.

Revocation of Affiliation: Implications for New Admissions

According to a recent Tribune story, the BFUHS has revoked Chintpurni Medical College’s affiliation due to its failure to meet the NMC’s criteria. As a result, the college would be unable to admit new MBBS students for the forthcoming 2023-24 class. Students enrolled in the 2022-2023 batch, on the other hand, would be able to complete their medical studies without interruption. Dr. Sunanda Raina, Principal of the Medical College, claimed that the college has not yet received any official information regarding the cancellation of its affiliation.

FAQs

1- Why did the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences revoke Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital’s affiliation?

A- The affiliation was cancelled because the medical college failed to meet the NMC’s criteria and demonstrated major shortcomings in faculty, patient load, and infrastructure.

2- What were the findings of the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences panel?

A- The panel discovered major flaws in Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital, such as insufficient infrastructure and a shortage of patients, facilities, and teachers, endangering the careers of MBBS students.

3- What are the Punjab Government’s reservations about the medical college?

A- The Punjab Government expressed worry over the college’s noncompliance with statutory norms and guidelines, as well as the issue of charging students more than what was prescribed fees

A Closer Look at the Recent Developments

In the midst of reports of the de-recognition of approximately 140 medical colleges across the country, Dr. Rajeev Sood, a member of the National Medical Commission (NMC), has emphasised that the decision of de-recognition is not final and that the institutions can always appeal before the appropriate authorities. In this article, we’ll look at the recent crackdown on noncompliance with statutory medical education standards, the repercussions for medical schools, and the efforts being done to assure compliance.

The Strike Against Noncompliance

A Summary of the Situation

The main medical regulating authority, NMC, had already de-recognised roughly 40 medical colleges in the last two months due to non-compliance with regulations and shortcomings in faculty and security measures, according to Medical Dialogues. Additionally, approximately 100 other medical establishments are currently under investigation and are likely to face NMC action in the near future.

Derecognition Reasons

The NMC’s action is the result of institutions failing to achieve the established standards and regulations. Delays in faculty appointments, infrastructure, and security measures, such as the installation of CCTV cameras, have all led to these medical institutions’ de-recognition. The NMC is dedicated to maintaining the high quality and standards of medical education in India.

Appeals and the Future

Dr. Rajeev Sood’s guarantee

A member of the NMC, Dr. Rajeev Sood, has told the affected medical colleges that de-recognition is not a final decision. The colleges may appeal the decision to the National Medical Commission or the Union Health Ministry, as allowed for in Sections 28(6), 35(7), and 36(3). Colleges may continue to admit students if they follow the rules and regulations during this procedure.

Compliance and Timeline

Colleges that have received information regarding flaws must expedite the appeal procedure and guarantee compliance before the Supreme Court’s MBBS admissions deadline. Failure to comply may result in re-recognition concerns and the inability of colleges to admit students in the current academic year.

A Summary of Medical Education in India

Seat Availability Statistics

According to government data, 101,043 MBBS seats, 45,471 MD, MS, and PG Diploma seats, and 4,997 DM and MCh seats are available in India’s 660 medical colleges. When compared to before 2014, this suggests a huge rise in medical colleges and seat availability.

Increase in the Number of Medical Colleges and Seats

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the number of medical colleges has increased by 71% from 387 in 2014 to 660 today. Furthermore, from 51,348 before 2014 to 101,043 now, there has been a 97% rise in MBBS seats, with a large number available in both government and private medical colleges. PG and SS seats have also increased by 110%, from a combined total of 31,185 prior to 2014 to 65,335 now.

The National Medical Commission (NMC)’s adoption of the National Exit Test (NEXT) will significantly alter medical education and the registration procedure for medical professionals in India. The NMC has stated that once NEXT (National Exit Test) is implemented, both Indian and Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) will need to pass this exam in order to obtain temporary or permanent registration. These guidelines, titled “Registration of Medical Practitioners and Licence to Practise Medicine Regulations, 2023,” were just released. The current licencing and registration system will remain in place up until NEXT (National Exit Test)  is put into action. The effects of NEXT on medical graduates and the registration procedure are discussed in this article.

Medical Graduates’ Experience with NEXT (National Exit Test)  and the Mandatory Exam for Provisional Registration

Following the implementation of NEXT, FMGs will need to pass the test in order to receive a provisional registration and sign up for the internship programme. The Indian Medical Graduates will also be required to take this exam. All medical graduates should have the information and abilities needed to practise medicine safely and effectively, according to the goal.

Permanent Registration Requirement for National Exit Test

Both Indian Medical Graduates and FMGs must pass the NEXT exam in order to seek for permanent registration in the National Medical Register. This criterion is clarified in the Gazette notification that the NMC published on May 10, 2023. The Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) under the NMC will maintain the National Medical registration, which will be a common registration.

The Establishment of the Centralised National Medical Register

The EMRB will look after the National Medical Register (NMR), per the NMC Gazette notification. It would work as an extensive database for all Indian medical professionals who are currently enrolled. Both Indian and foreign medical graduates must pass the NEXT exam in order to be registered with the NMR, according to the NMC notice.

Number for Unique Identification (UID) for National Exit Test

Each doctor will receive a Unique Identification (UID) Number as part of the registration procedure. The NMC Ethics Board will centrally create this number, which will allow the practitioner to register in the NMR and be permitted to practise medicine in India. The notification also states that a processing charge as set forth by the EMRB must be paid to the NMC Secretary in order for the UID to be generated.

Provisional Registration for Internship Training for National Exit Test

• Application for Registration and Qualifying Examination

Anyone who has passed the qualifying test from an accredited Indian university or medical institution and is pursuing a recognised medical degree is eligible for provisional registration for internship training. The candidate must submit an application for provisional registration to the relevant State Medical Council in order to start the process.

• Foreign Medical Graduates

Along with Indian medical graduates, those who hold a foreign medical degree and have passed the National Exit Test (NEXT) as described in section 15 of the Act may also be given consideration for interim registration. To be qualified for internship training, international medical graduates must, however, meet the requirements outlined in the international Medical Graduates Regulations, 2021.

Registration in National Medical Register (NMR) for License to Practice

A key accomplishment for healthcare workers is earning a licence to practise medicine. It makes sure that people have the training and expertise required to treat patients medically. The National Medical Commission (NMC) is responsible for overseeing and enforcing the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, which governs the procedure for applying for a licence to practise medicine in India. This article examines the prerequisites and procedures for registering uch 

Understanding the Eligibility Criteria for National Exit Test

• Any Person with a Recognized Primary Medical Qualification

An individual must first earn a primary medical certification that is acknowledged by the National Medical Commission Act of 2019 in order to be qualified for registration in the NMR. This certification ensures that medical practitioners have undergone the right education and training in the field of medicine and acts as a fundamental need.

• Qualification of the National Exit Test

Individuals must meet additional requirements in order to take the National Exit Test (NEXT), which is held in accordance with Section 15 of the National Medical Commission Act. The NEXT is a standardised test for evaluating the skill and knowledge of medical graduates. Individuals who pass this exam show that they are qualified to practise medicine and make a contribution to the healthcare system.

• Grant of Registration in NMR

An individual is eligible for the grant of registration in the NMR once they meet the requirements for acquiring a recognised primary medical qualification and pass the National Exit Test. Medical professionals are now able to legally practise medicine in India thanks to this registration, which is an important step towards professional recognition.

• Foreign Medical Graduates

The NMC also accepts individuals with foreign medical degrees as qualified professionals. These people are also eligible for the approval of registration in the NMR if they pass the requirements outlined in the Foreign Medical Graduates Regulation, 2021 and qualify for the National Exit Test under Section 15 of the National Medical Commission Act. Under the predetermined criteria, this provision enables foreign medical graduates to offer their knowledge and experience to the Indian healthcare system.

Generation of Unique Identification (UID) Number for National Exit Test

The Ethics & Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the NMC generates a Unique Identification (UID) number for each registered practitioner in order to streamline the registration process and maintain a centralised database of medical practitioners. This UID acts as an identification number that is connected to the practitioner’s NMR registration and status as a qualified medical practitioner in India.

A critical step in assuring the accuracy and integrity of the registration process is the production of the UID number. It makes it simple to identify and validate medical experts, supporting effective management and oversight of healthcare services.

Processing Fee for UID Generation

There is a processing charge that must be paid to cover the administrative expenses involved in creating the UID. The actual charge amount is set by the EMRB, NMC, and is subject to recalculation on a regular basis. The processing fee should be made out to the NMC Secretary. To prevent any delays in the registration procedure, it is crucial for aspiring medical practitioners to be aware of the fee requirements and ensure prompt payment.

It is important to note that the current system of registration and licencing to practise medicine will remain until the rules and pertinent sections linked to the UID generation are completely implemented. This guarantees a smooth transition and permits healthcare professionals to carry on with their work when the new procedures are put in place.

Standardizing Medical Education in India

The National Exit Test (NEXT), a proposed uniform exit exam by the government, has significantly changed the landscape of medical education in India. The National Medical Commission (NMC) proposed this exam as a part of the law that was passed in 2019, and media sources have widely covered its development. The NEXT is intended to standardise medical education throughout the nation and serve as the foundation for registration to practise medicine, entrance to postgraduate (PG) medical courses and the screening test for foreign medical graduates.

Timeline and Objective 

The NEXT’s(National Exit Test) goal is to make sure that medical students have the information and abilities needed to practise contemporary medicine. The NMC Act’s initial schedule was for it to go into effect three years after that, in September 2020. The NEXT was scheduled to go into effect on September 25, 2022.

Regulations in the proposed draft

The National Exit Test suggested draught regulations were made public by the NMC last year, putting a stop to rumours about the exam’s structure and other specifics. The NEXT’s purpose, applicability, division into STEP 1 and STEP 2, method of administration, scoring formulas, validity, and potential applications were all covered in detail in the draught.

NEXT’s capacity to be used

The NEXT (National Exit Test) will be applied to the following groups, per the proposed regulations:

• Both the Medical Assessment and Rating Board and the Undergraduate Medical Education Board evaluate all undergraduate medical students seeking the degree of MBBS in all medical colleges recognised by the NMC.
• All foreign medical graduates who have been given the go-ahead by the NMC to enlist in the State Register or the National Register and to apply for a licence to practise medicine in India, depending on the rules.
• Any other individual with a medical degree who is pursuing an academic course, an observership, or other goals that have been established and allowed by the NMC through proper notice or rules.

Bifurcation and Exam Procedures for National Exit Test

There will be two steps in the following: STEP 1 and STEP 2.

STEP 1: will be used for PG entry. The NEXT (National Exit Test) STEP 1 score will be valid for PG entry for a period of three years. The candidate may retake either exam as many times as necessary as long as they have passed both the NEXT(National Exit Test)  Step 1 and NEXT(National Exit Test)  Step 2 exams within ten years after enrolling in the MBBS programme.

 STEP 2 : NEXT(National Exit Test)  STEP 2 will act as a qualifying exam, the marks from NEXT (National Exit Test) 

The certification of a list of 679 Recognised Non-Teaching Hospitals for Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship has been revealed in a recent circular by the head of the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC). For medical graduates from other countries who were having trouble signing up for the compulsory internship programme in India, this validation is a relief. According to the circular, dated May 9, 2023, this relaxation is given as a one-time measure, and foreign medical graduates (FMGs) will be assigned to these non-teaching hospitals through the appropriate State Medical Councils.

Foreign medical graduates face Difficulties

Numerous medical graduates from other countries were having trouble finding internships in India. Foreign medical graduates are required to pass the FMGE and complete the internship requirement imposed by the NMC. These procedures must be followed in order for FMGs to receive registration to practice in India. However, media reports said that getting internship employment was tough for almost 2,000 FMG doctors. Only about 30% of the students who passed the required FMGE test in January were able to obtain internship positions in Rajasthan alone.Of the 1,365 exam-qualified applicants, 966 are still awaiting a spot in an internship.

 Similar to this, in Haryana, over 40 students were still looking for internship opportunities, and the counselling process had not yet started in many Indian states.

FAIMA Expresses Worries

The difficulties faced by FMGs across India, particularly in Delhi, have lately been brought to light by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA). To address the worries of foreign medical graduates in India, FAIMA wrote to the head of the National Medical Commission and urged prompt action. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) promised that the Apex medical commission would offer a solution within a week after a meeting on May 4.

FMG Concerns Addressed in NMC Circular

The NMC released a circular that addressed a number of important problems in response to the worries voiced by FMGs. The circular covered a variety of topics, including the Commission’s validation of online study, the applicability of the NMC Public Notice dated July 28, 2022, the need for FMGs to reside in their home country during the internship, the completion of internships in segments at hospitals and medical schools, and the question of stipend payments to FMGs.

The NMC took into account several requests and inquiries regarding the lack of internship spaces for FMGs from various State Medical Councils. At the NMC Chairman’s Coordination Meeting with the Presidents and Members of the four NMC Boards on May 2, 2023, these requests received a favorable appraisal.

The List of Non-Teaching Hospitals is Validated by UGMEB.

The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) decided to validate the list of Recognised Non-Teaching Hospitals for Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship issued by the former Medical Council of India after carefully analyzing the situation and the difficulties FMGs encountered in completing their internships. A year after the circular’s release, to May 2024, the validation is given solely for the purpose of conducting internships for foreign medical graduates. The circular’s annexure contains a list of recognised non-teaching hospitals for the mandatory rotational medical internship. It’s crucial to remember that this relaxation is only offered once.

The circular additionally stated that only the relevant State Medical Councils will be used to allocate FMGs to these non-teaching hospitals. This guarantees that the procedure continues.

According to data provided by the Apex Medical Commission, Maharashtra has the most non-teaching institutions that have given permission for medical graduates from other countries to engage in the internship programme. NMC has approved 74 similar facilities in Maharashtra. Uttar Pradesh, which has 72 hospitals accredited for this purpose, comes in second.

Along with these, the NMC has recognised additional hospitals in the following states: 30 hospitals in Andhra Pradesh, 1 hospital in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 27 hospitals in Assam, 29 hospitals in Bihar, 21 hospitals in Delhi, 49 hospitals in Gujarat, 6 hospitals in Himachal Pradesh, 20 hospitals in Kerala, 45 hospitals in Madhya Pradesh, 40 hospitals in TamilNadu, 62 hospitals in Karnataka, 17 hospitals in Orissa, 42 hospitals in Punjab and Haryana, 2 hospitals

In addition, 15 military hospitals and 27 railway hospitals across India have received approval from NMC to accept FMG students for the Internship Programme. The NMC’s relaxation came at a time when it was difficult for thousands of foreign medical graduates to join India’s obligatory internship scheme. Foreign medical graduates must pass the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) before completing the internship requirement set forth by NMC. The FMGs are only awarded registration to practice in India after that.