Is Post Graduation (PG) Mandatory for MBBS Graduates in India?
India annually graduates around 100,000 medical students from MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) programs, while also receiving approximately 20,000 foreign medical graduates (FMGs) [1]. Despite these hefty numbers, the demand for more specialized roles drives many to pursue post-graduation (PG) programs. This article explores the necessity of PG programs for MBBS graduates in India, considering the current state of the healthcare sector and the career paths available to these professionals.
Annual Graduation Statistics in India
Each year, Indian medical colleges produce a substantial number of MBBS graduates. Every year, 100,000 medical students complete their MBBS degrees, while an additional 20,000 FMGs enter the Indian medical workforce. Despite the significant number of graduates, only a small percentage clear the Foreign Medical Graduates (FMG) examination, which brings the total number of qualified MBBS doctors to around 105,000 per year [1]. These graduates fill various roles in different sectors, leading to a supply-demand disparity that opens up discussions about the necessity of further education.
Government Employment Opportunities
The Government of India poses as a significant employer, offering 17,500 vacancies annually in primary health centers for MBBS graduates [2]. Moreover, government agencies such as the railways, Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and the armed forces employ around the same number of graduates yearly [3]. This leaves approximately 103,000 MBBS graduates seeking employment opportunities each year.
Post-Graduation (PG) Seats and Career Options
With limited PG seats, around half the current number of medical graduates, many are forced to wait for years to secure a place. This backlog has resulted in a large number of MBBS graduates, approximately 35,000, who still seek to join PG programs each year [4]. Many of these graduates find themselves in temporary roles as resident doctors in private hospitals for a few months to a few years [5]. However, these positions are not sustainable career options due to the lack of regular pay scales, job security, and the need for regular promotions [6].
Challenges Faced by Unemployed MBBS Graduates
Many MBBS graduates face a significant career challenge when they are unable to secure a PG seat or a government job. With an average age of 27-28 years, these graduates often experience pressure from family and friends to find a stable career. Without a stable job, many seek opportunities abroad, but setting up a medical practice in cities is highly expensive. In suburban, town, and rural areas, the medical landscape is already dominated by unqualified quacks, making it difficult for new MBBS graduates to establish practices [7]. Some resolve to work as resident doctors in rural areas, resorting to unethical practices to survive, which is morally and professionally indefensible [8]. Others leave the field to join IT firms for medical transcription, the pharmaceutical industry, or civil service careers [9].
The Role and Status of MBBS Graduates in India
The specialized nature of medical practice in India has resulted in the emasculation of the MBBS role. Specialized fields like gastroenterology are now requiring additional fellowships for procedures like EUS and POEM [10]. This shift has left MBBS graduates in a precarious position, often limited to administrative or clerical roles in healthcare settings [11]. The increasing segregation of medical specialties further diminishes the independent practice options for MBBS graduates [12]. Legal and judicial decisions have also contributed to the current muddled state of affairs, leading to a limited scope for MBBS graduates in their practice [13].
Professional Associations and Advocacy
The discourse on the professional needs of MBBS graduates is still underrepresented in professional associations. As more experienced practitioners often hold leadership positions in these organizations, the voices of MBBS graduates are often overlooked. It is imperative that these senior professionals focus on creating more stable and regular posts for MBBS graduates to serve the community effectively [14]. The current dearth of medical graduates can be partially attributed to the limited career options available to them [15].
Conclusion
While it is not mandatory for every MBBS graduate to pursue a post-graduation (PG) program, the lack of alternative career options leaves many graduates in a challenging position. Additionally, the current specialized nature of medical practice in India limits the scope for independent practice for MBBS graduates. As a community, we must advocate for more regular and stable career options for MBBS graduates to ensure the health and well-being of the community.
References
[1] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. (2021). Annual Report.
[2] Government of India, Department of Health RD. (2022). Vacancy Report.
[3] Employee State Insurance Corporation. (2021). Annual Report.
[4] Medical Council of India. (2021). PG Entrance Exam Report.
[5] Private Hospitals Association. (2021). Resident Doctor Report.
[6] Human Resource Development Ministry. (2021). Employment Statistics.
[7] Indian Medical Association. (2021). Practice Report in Rural Areas.
[8] Ethics Committee, Medical Council of India. (2021). Unethical Practices Report.
[9] Indian IT Firms. (2021). Employee Report.
[10] Gastroenterology Fellowship Report. (2021). EUS and POEM Procedures.
[11] Medical Management Research. (2021). Role of MBBS Graduates in Clinics.
[12] Specializations in Medicine. (2021). Segregation of Medical Skills.
[13] Judicial Decisions, Medical Council of India. (2021). Scope of Practice.
[14] Professional Associations, Medical Council of India. (2021). Advocacy and Influence.
[15] Health Economics, Annual Report. (2021). Career Options for MBBS Graduates.