Govt revives 2-year PG medical diploma courses

NEW DELHI: With an aim to address the shortage of specialists in district hospitals and in rural India, the health ministry has allowed two year postgraduate (PG) diploma courses that applicants can pursue after completing their MBBS.
This will enable National Board of Examination to start eight postgraduate speciality diploma courses in obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthesiology, paediatrics, tuberculosis and chest disease, family medicine, ophthalmology, radio diagnosis, and ENT. The health ministry issued the order after consultation with the board of governors in suppression of the Medical Council of India.
Candidates can pursue these courses by clearing the NEET-PG exam after completing MBBS. Hospitals with a minimum of 100 operational beds are eligible to seek accreditation with NBE for the diploma courses. TOI had reported about this proposal being considered by the government in March.
The move assumes significance in view of the pandemic which has restricted movement because of fear of infection. The dearth of specialist doctors in rural and remote areas have become more challenging for the healthcare system. The Medical Council of India had in 2019 converted its diploma courses into degree courses to overcome the shortfall of teaching faculty.