Udupi: In an effort to enhance medical education through real-world experience, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced a community-based learning approach that integrates rural health exposure into the medical curriculum. Under this initiative, medical students will engage directly with rural communities to address healthcare challenges in villages.
Students to Adopt Rural Families
A key component of this revised curriculum is the adoption of five rural families by each medical student. Through regular visits, students will:
✅ Assess the health status of family members
✅ Provide preventive and curative healthcare services
✅ Educate villagers on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention
✅ Inform them about government healthcare schemes
This initiative is designed to instill empathy and social responsibility in medical students while improving healthcare access in rural areas.
Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, Leads the Way
Following NMC guidelines, students and faculty from Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, have already begun outreach activities in Kumbashi and Koravadi villages of Kundapur taluk in Udupi district.
Dr. Ashwini Kumar, Professor and Head of Community Medicine at KMC, Manipal, emphasized that the program aligns with NMC’s focus on practical, community-oriented learning.
“By interacting with villagers, assessing their health conditions, and spreading awareness on hygiene and preventive care, students gain invaluable real-world experience,” he said.
Previous Initiatives and Impact
Last year, KMC students carried out similar activities in villages such as Katapady, Kemmannu, Kodavoor, Laxmi Nagara, Athrady, and Parkala. Their work included:
✅ Assisting pregnant women with prenatal care
✅ Conducting health check-ups
✅ Educating on nutrition and maternal health
✅ Analyzing health data to improve local healthcare practices
A Shift Towards Practical Medical Training
The NMC’s initiative marks a significant shift in medical training, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world healthcare delivery. By fostering direct engagement with rural communities, it prepares future doctors to be socially responsible professionals, ensuring better healthcare outreach to underserved populations.
