Bengaluru: The Union health ministry's decision to bring in amendments to the Indian Medical Council Act to make the National Exit Test (NEXT) mandatory for all MBBS students received mixed reaction in the city.
Many felt that after the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) was introduced for admissions to MBBS courses, there was no need for NEXT. But others felt that this is another effort to improve the quality of medical education.
A few MBBS students who are studying in different medical colleges of the city said that NEXT is one of the remedies for corruption in the medical education system.
Mr Ashwath Rao, a second year MBBS student, said the demand for an exam like NEXT was first raised in 2013. “There are allegations that MBBS and MD degrees are sold in a package format. This was leading to corruption even at the University level. NEXT will put an end to all that. NEXT will root out corruption in the examination section of all medical universities and deemed universities," he said.
But another student, who wished not to be identified, told Deccan Chronicle that after the implementation of NEET, there was no need for NEXT. "Medical students are already under pressure due to a number of restrictions like NEET, mandatory rural posting and more. This will only add to their stress. After NEET was introduced, only meritorious students are getting into the MBBS course. Now what is the use of another exit test," he asked.
The state government, however, is expected to extend its support to the new reform in the medical education system. An officer from the state health department said that the state government is always in favour of reforms in the medical education sector and will support this move too.
According to the notification, general public and students can send suggestions regarding the new amendments to mepsection-mohfw@gov.in before January 6.
"Just a week's time has been given. This is a revolutionary step towards making medical education affordable," said a principal from a private medical college in the city.
