Letter to MCI by Dr.Shaikh Khaja, Ex-Principal

Most important inputs to develop a vision & fix targets are facts and correct information. It is unfortunate that vision 2015 is flawed at the basic stage itself because
the inputs are not reflecting the factual position.

To,
The Board of Governors                            
Medical Council of India

New Delhi

From,

Dr.Shaikh Khaja 

Former President & General Secretary, Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine
President of A.P.academy of Forensic Medicine.
Ex.Principal Al-Ameen Medical College.

Sirs,
       Kindly accept my congratulations for making a sincere effort in trying to update medical education & health care in our country.

Most important inputs to develop a vision & fix targets are facts and correct information. It is unfortunate that vision 2015 is flawed at the basic stage itself because the inputs are not reflecting the factual position.

Few examples:

a) The U.G. working group do not have representatives from all the subjects taught in U.G course. How can other subject experts decide what changes are required in forensic medicine? Forensic medicine is a department which is providing services to three wings of Govt., namely Health, Home and Judiciary. Can any other dept. in a Medical college claim such a privilege or any other subject experts know that any changes in Forensic Medicine(F.M) are going to reflect on functioning of the above three wings of administration. It is desirable to take opinion of all stake holders before taking a final decision on changes in Forensic medicine. The reason for allotting certain topics from F.M to other subjects is not clear. A medical graduate if posted as a tutor on rotation in different departments .will be able to take classes in any sub while working in that department. As such can anybody suggest that in view of lack of required faculty tutors will manage teaching and Asst., Assoc. professors and Professors not required. At present PGs are to be given some lecture classes as per MCI. As the P.G seats are going to be increased ,they will share the teaching with the faculty, hence  extra staff are not required.

Before contemplating changes, one should know why this subject is introduced in the curriculum. In criminal Justice system of our country Medical witness/expert has an important role to play. The basic qualification of Medical expert in our country is M.B;B.S. INSPITE OF DEMONSTRATING MEDICO-LEGAL AUTOPSIES,TRAINING IN WRITING MEDICO-LEGAL CASE REPORTS & F.M BEING AN EXAM. SUB.THE DESIRED RESULTS ARE NOT ACHIEVED. If the proposed changes are introduced then the scenario will become worst.

 May I suggest, to form a working group with representation from all subjects. Further I request those who are making changes in forensic medicine subject to go through first Mudaliar & Bohr committee reports. These Committees were constituted by Govt. of India to improve medico-legal work in India. 3 years back, a committee chaired by Retd. Chief Justice of India, Justice Venkatachalaiah prepared a draft on REVISION OF UNDERGRADUATE MEDICOLEGAL CURRICULUM for submission to United Nations Development Country Office. I am enclosing it as attachment for

perusal.

b)Medical facilities in rural areas will improve if more number of Doctors are available is not based on facts. Medical graduates are reluctant to stay in rural areas because no proper residential facilities, no standard schools/colleges for their children available and no social life etc. They prefer urban areas even if income is less for the above reasons.

c) The desired Doctor Population ratio 1:1000 by 2031 appears good on paper but even if it is achieved, can anyone assure that if any one gathers 1700 people from any corner of the country and enquire; will they say that Doctor is available? Or guarantee that every Indian will have access to a Doctor in their village?

d) Has the fig. Number of Doctors presently available is derived after excluding those who left the country in search of greener pastures and those opted for other professions? Doctors presently available in the country and accessible to patients’ should be taken into account.

Thanking you

With regards

Dr.Shaikh Khaja.

ATTACHMENT: Copy of Restructured Under Graduate Medico-legal curriculum (Forensic Medicine& Toxicology). J Indian Acad Forensic Med, 2008;30(1): 37-53.