It’s either going to be an all-India exit examination or a common final exam for medical undergraduates before they are allowed to practice in the country. The Union Health Ministry and Indian Medical Association are currently involved in a tussle to iron our difference on how to ensure standard medical education across the country and either – an exit exam or common final exam - will be chosen for those wanting to work as a doctor in India.
“We can’t agree to the government’s proposed exit examination,’’ said Indian Medical Association head Dr. K.K. Aggarwal. He said that doctors are opposed to the fact that after a student is awarded his medical degree he should be forced to sit for another such test. “Instead we have proposed that the government bring in a common final exam after which degree is offered and the person is allowed to work as a physician,” he noted.
Doctors held a meeting with the Union Health Minister Mr. J.P. Nadda recently informing him about their displeasure about the exit exam.
“The Union Health Ministry had proposed an exit examination for all MBBS students passing out of government as well as private medical colleges, which will allow them to practice medicine in any part of the country,’’ said a senior health official.
“Passing this examination will be essential also to take the entrance examination for post-graduate course. The examination will also provide a base to the government for ranking of medical colleges across the country,’’ he added.
The doctors’ body has proposed that a common final examination should be held for all government and private colleges which will ensure that the standard of education is maintained.
“The aim of the entire exercise is to ensure that we have quality physician who are able to deliver a standard level of care,’’ said Dr. Aggarwal.
At present medical graduates can practice provided they complete the required procedure laid down by the state in which they want to practice.
Proposes that the government bring in a common final exam
