Dr Francis G Dunn, president of (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (RCPS), Glasgow, said careers of MBBS students are not hampered by compulsory rural postings.
He was speaking at the inaugural function of the 31st annual International Medical Science Academy (IMSA) Conference at RajaRajeshwari Medical College (RRMC), Bangalore. According to him, the aim of medical science in the country is to reach the unreachable.
“India is a country with bulk population, wherein the major population resides in rural areas. For every 200 patients we need a doctor but we have one doctor for every 800 patients, which clearly shows the crisis in the field of medical science. This crisis is due to the lack of general doctors,” he said. He stressed on the need of general treatments, medicine and surgeries. “It completely makes sense sending junior doctors to rural areas. Perhaps it is also the responsibility of the government to ensure rural hospitals are well-equipped and they provide junior doctors with opportunities to continue higher studies,” he said.
The conference included workshops and interactive sessions for students.
MOU Signed
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IMSA India and RCPS. “Talks are on among the three organisations RCPS, IMSA (International Medical Science Academy) Karnataka branch and RRMC Bangalore, on setting up of an advisory committee for the medical professionals,” said Dr K Jagadeesan, president of IMSA.
Dr Govindaraji of RRMC and Hospital, Bangalore, said during the third and fourth year of the course, MBBS students are sent to RCPS for a training involving the study of general medicine and general surgery.