New Delhi: In a bid to improve medical education in the country, the Union health ministry is considering an “exit exam” for MBBS students. A committee set up by the Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on medical education reforms has proposed temporary registration of medical students which may be later “confirmed” based on the performance of students in the exam.
The exit test, according to experts intends to standardise the skills of doctors considering varying standards of education in medical colleges. “This will ensure upgradation of knowledge and uniformity among the students graduating from both private and government medical colleges. The proposal is being strongly considered. There is a All India Bar examination for new advocates than why not for medical students.
They have to deal with the lives and it is important to ensure quality,” a health ministry official said.
While a similar proposal earlier mooted by the MCI faced resistance from the doctors’ association, the ministry is hopeful to convince these associations and the states this time. The matter is also expected to be discussed at the state health secretaries’ meeting slated on Tuesday.
At present medical graduates can practice provided they complete the required procedure laid down by the state in which they want to practice. Once the exit exam is adopted, they will no more be classified on the basis of colleges but based on the exam.
