Eligibility of Non-Medical Faculty in Medical Colleges Addressed in Rajya Sabha
New Delhi: The eligibility of MSc and PhD holders in non-medical fields to teach in medical colleges was a key topic in the Rajya Sabha recently. Union Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel, addressed concerns regarding their appointments under the Teachers Eligibility Qualifications (TEQ) Regulations, 2022.
Clarification on Faculty Appointments
Responding to Member of Parliament Renuka Chowdhury, Minister Patel stated that MSc and PhD holders in relevant subjects can serve as faculty in the Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry, provided their degrees are earned through a regular, on-campus programme from a recognised medical institution.
Chowdhury sought explanations regarding the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) decision to permit non-medical graduates in medical education and questioned the duration of the transitional period allowing such appointments.
Transitional Period and NMC Regulations
Under the Draft TEQ 2024 Regulations, the NMC reaffirmed that non-medical faculty can be appointed as senior residents and faculty members in the three basic sciences. However, the transitional period—which enables such appointments in case of a faculty shortage—will be determined by the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB).
The policy has sparked mixed reactions within the medical community. While some acknowledge the expertise of MSc and PhD holders in non-clinical subjects, others worry that their inclusion might compromise medical education standards.
Addressing Faculty Shortages in Medical Colleges
To tackle faculty shortages while maintaining educational quality, the government has implemented several initiatives:
- Establishing 131 new medical colleges under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- Upgrading existing medical colleges to increase MBBS and PG seats.
- Completing 71 out of 75 super-specialty blocks under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
- Launching 22 new AIIMS institutions, with 19 already operational.
- Recognising Diplomate of National Board (DNB) qualifications for faculty recruitment.
- Extending the maximum age limit for faculty appointments to 70 years.
With ongoing discussions, the long-term impact of these policies on medical education remains under scrutiny.
