Dr.R.N.Kagne: Feedback on vision-2015

MOST URGENT
             16th Jan 2011

To,

Dr SK Sarin

Chairperson, Board of Governors
Medical Council of India  
Pocket - 14, Sector - 8
Dwarka Phase - 1
New Delhi – 110077

Subject:  Regarding Suggestions /comments about VISION -2015 proposed UG    

                Medical Education.

Ref:  VISION -2015 proposed UG Medical Education dt. 28 Dec.2010

Respected Sir,
At the outset, let me wish you and all the other distinguished members of the Board of Governors of the MCI, a very HAPPY NEW YEAR. I the undersigned, Dr. Rajendrakumar N. Kagne, Professor & head in the department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, (Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College, Kalitheer -thalkuppam, Puducherry) want to emphasize points which will guide you to rectifying the anomalies in “Vision 2015” proposed UG Medical Education.

1. In India majority of population i.e. 70-80% is rural and I am sure that you are well aware of the terrible scenario with regard to medical services provided at this level.
2. You are preparing the “BASIC DOCTORS” for Health for all and about 70-80 % “BASIC DOCTORS” will serve at rural level.
3. Your urgent attention is required for another kind of basic medical service which is an obligatory duty of a “BASIC DOCTORS” towards the State and society, i.e., medico-legal service assisting the judiciary to prevent crime in the society. By helping the investigation of crime to the police and lawyer and assisting the honorable courts from time to time.
4. In India majority of Medico-Legal works (more than 80%) are done by “BASIC DOCTORS” and not by Medico-Legal Experts (due to deficiency) except the honorable Supreme Court had given order to perform custody death investigations by MD forensic medicine.

Looking in to the present scenario the crimes are increasing day by day and the criminals are using ultra modern devices and methods, the importance of subject is increasing. And more over it’s the era of evidence based medicine.  I hope by highlighting these simple points, you will understand the importance of the subject and prepare the recommendations accordingly. The following are my humble submissions and suggestions for your urgent attention in rectifying the anomalies in “Vision 2015”.

1. The subject must be taught comprehensively in the core group.

(Not elective subject)

2. The subjects of forensic medicine & toxicology must be taught along with clinical subjects in the clinical phase of MBBS course with a full-fledged university examination for this subject.
3. There should be separate Wards for burn & poisoning patients with poison information center under Forensic Medicine and toxicology department
4. Also the medico-legal work of hospital at casualty must be under supervision of HOD of Forensic Medicine and toxicology department
5. Autopsy facilities and conduction of autopsy at all private medical colleges must be compulsory.
6. Increase the teaching staff requirement in Forensic Medicine and toxicology department. Also the staff requirement in Forensic Medicine and toxicology department must be increased depending upon medico-legal work load.
7. Rotating Internship posting of one month in the Forensic Medicine and toxicology department must be compulsory for all interns. 
   
   
   Unfortunately, I feel that the document “Vision 2015” is retrogressive with regard to Forensic Medicine and toxicology. And this will further dilute the importance of this specialty among students and faculty of medicine leading to even more neglect to medico-legal service assisting the law enforcing departments to prevent crime in the society. 
   
   
   Board of Governors and committee preparing  draft of  VISION -2015 proposed UG Medical Education  must aim at bringing back lost glory of medical profession by implementing the standard & uniform curriculum in all subjects throughout India without  fear or favour.

With regards,

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Rajendrakumar N. Kagne,
Professor & head
Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology,
Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College,
Kalitheerthalkuppam, Puducherry

Copies:

1. Prof Ranjit Roy Chaudhury, Y-85, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016
2. Dr. Sita Naik, J-708, Wembley Estate, Rosewood City, Sector-50,     

Gurgaon 122001

3. Prof RN Salhan, C-1/1233, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070
4. Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, Narayana, 393, 3rd Block Koramangala, Bangalore – 34
5. Prof Gautam Sen, 51, Jupiter Apartments Cuffe Parade, Mumbai 400005
6. Dr. DavinderKumar, Jt.Sec, UG Section, Medical Council of India

Sector-8, Pocket-14, Dwarka, Phase 1, New Delhi-110077