Doctor of Medicine and Diplomate of National Board Courses in India–issues and Equivalence: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

India is the only country in the world running two different doctoral courses for doctors, i.e., Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Diplomate of National Board (DNB). DNB course was introduced in 1975 to overcome shortage of specialist doctors and medical teachers. Both courses have centralized entry examination, similar tenure period, academic and clinical activities, and research exposure and exit examination (in the host institute in MD examination and in designated exit exam centre in institute other than poarent institute in case of DNB examination). Initially, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Council of India (MCI) established the equivalence between two. Discrimination started since October 2012 through MCI gazette notification for DNB trainees from non-MCI recognized institutes with regards to teacher appointment. DNB doctors were united to raise their voice against this. While the Government of India (GOI) is in favor of equivalence between two, MCI is against the same. Recently, MCI is dissolved and is going to be replaced by the National Medical Commission and positive outcome is expected for the DNB side. A recent notification is issued toward equivalence of two courses provided candidate completed DNB course from hospitals with minimum 500 beds. Evaluating quality of education on the basis of number of beds seems unjustifiable as there are many better indicators of quality of medical education. The NMC act also retained the same 500 bed criteria. Taking into account the view point of benefit of population and improvement in medical education in India, it is desirable to reconsider the issue by the Government of India (GOI) and to act accordingly. To enhance the standard of current medical education, higher standards should be imposed in curriculum and centralized exit examination to be made compulsory for both the courses.