The Association of Medical Microbiologist-Madhya Pradesh (AMM-MP) has written to the Prime Minister, the Secretary of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the National Medical Commission expressing their disappointment regarding the recent decision to slash theory and practical exam marks of the microbiology subject to half in the MBBS curriculum. The decision has been met with backlash, not just from microbiologists but the entire medical fraternity.
The National Medical Commission has decreased the university exam practical marks from 100 to 50 and the theoretical marks from 200 to 100. The move has been dubbed as detrimental to the interests of students majoring in microbiology, a cornerstone in diagnosing and treating patients.
Microbiology is a prominent area of study that examines all fields including bacteriology, virology, mycology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, immunology, serology and infection control practices. Assessing these fields requires more than a single examination paper, and in order for students to grasp the complexity of the subject, it would be more beneficial if the subject carried weightage of 200 marks for theory and 100 marks for practical.
This subject plays an important role in preventing infection in the community, and vaccine preparation is part of the microbiological study. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of microbiology; therefore, amending the decision could prove vital in preventing further loss regarding healthcare.
I requested the National Medical Commission to revert the decision. If microbiology loses its importance, everyone will have to suffer its consequences, stated Dr Shashi Gandhi, President of the Association of Medical Microbiologist-MP.
The Association’s demand for a review of the decision is a measure intended to ensure the versatile aspect of microbiology’s contribution to the medical field is regarded as important. Hopefully, the National Medical Commission will give serious consideration to their demand and make amendments accordingly.
