Medical Students Need to Clear National Exit Test for 'Dr' Tag
One of the officials mentioned that in the current scenario of medical education which is being highly privatised, the introduction of NEXT examination would bring significant changes in the standards of medical education.
The Union Health Minister made an announcement on December 29, 2016, clarifying that as per Medical Council (Amendment) Bill 2016, medical students need to take qualify a National Exit Test (NEXT) to complete their five-year MBBS course and get a 'doctor' title.
With an objective to maintain standards in the medical education, the ministry has taken this decision. One of the officials mentioned that in the current scenario of medical education which is being highly privatised, the introduction of NEXT examination would bring significant changes in the standards of medical education.
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NEXT is an outcome-based test. The ministry revealed that the scores of the students belonging to various colleges would be made available to the public. If a medical college has 90% or above students qualified in NEXT, it reveals that the college is maintaining high standards in medical education. It will help the medical aspirants to opt for best colleges.
Dr. P. Shingare, Head of State's Department of Medical Education lauded the efforts of the government in taking steps to standardise the medical education. He explained that MCI could only rate the college as per infrastructure, facilities, labs and others. However, it is NEXT which will determine the quality of education in a particular college. Therefore, it is a positive move by the government.
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Former MCI member, Gautam Sen pointed that there are already enough reservations at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and there is no need to introduce another quota. The introduction of NEXT is nothing but reducing meritocracy.