Private MBBS Students Can Now Learn Autopsy in Govt Med Colleges

In a significant development, the Kerala Government has made a groundbreaking decision to permit students from private medical colleges to engage in the study of autopsy within government medical colleges. Health Minister Veena George recently issued a directive that empowers the Director of Medical Education (DME) to formulate guidelines for providing autopsy lessons to private college students.

Until now, MBBS students in private medical colleges in Kerala were compelled to pursue their autopsy studies in institutions located outside the state. Notably, in several of these institutions in other states, autopsies were conducted by non-doctor staff, with the students relegated to mere observers of the procedure. This practice has raised concerns, as many students who undergo this training ultimately earn their degree, pass the state Public Service Commission (PSC) test, and join government hospitals. Unfortunately, their limited knowledge often led to complications in their professional roles.

In response to this challenge, the minister issued the recent directive. Approximately 2,500 MBBS students are enrolled in each batch within the state’s private medical colleges. The MBBS curriculum mandates the study of 15 autopsies as part of their training.

Previously, the state government had allowed students to learn autopsy procedures at 138 taluk, district, and general hospitals under the Directorate of Health Services (DHS). However, this approach proved ineffective due to a severe shortage of doctors within the forensic cadre of these government hospitals, with only 18 available.

Anil Kumar Vellil, the president of the Kerala Private Medical College Management Association, expressed his perspective on the matter, emphasizing the need for a change in forensic education regulations in Kerala. He stated, “Private medical colleges should be permitted to conduct autopsies. Such a prohibition exists solely in Kerala. It is paradoxical that doctors can treat patients at private medical colleges, yet they are not allowed to conduct autopsies.” This move marks a significant shift in medical education within Kerala, bridging the gap between private and government institutions.