Need for pragmatic reforms in higher education

Effective policy frameworks are essential for guaranteeing the quality, accessibility and sustainability of education, which serves as the foundation of a nation’s advancement. Nevertheless, the medical and higher education sectors are frequently impeded by outdated and rigid regulations rather than facilitated by them. The National Medical Commission’s (previously the Medical Council of India, MCI) arbitrary criteria for recognising medical colleges and the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) salary regulations for private institutions are examples of how bureaucratic rigidity can result in unintended consequences. To resolve these concerns and cultivate a more inclusive and effective education system, it is imperative to implement pragmatic policy reforms.

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MCI requires medical colleges to have a certain number of hospital beds and patient load for recognition. Although the goal is to give students clinical experience, this strategy ignores medical education development. Digital health technology, simulation-based learning and telemedicine allow students to develop practical skills without a bed-patient ratio.

Existing laws have led to unscrupulous activities like institutions manipulating inspection figures. Instead of infrastructure-based assessments, medical education policies should prioritise competency-based evaluations, outcome-driven learning and ethical training. Acknowledging modern pedagogical breakthroughs would improve healthcare and education.