KPMG In India-FICCI Report Calls For Revamping Of Post Graduate Medical Education In India

In the direction to fortify India's healthcare sector, KPMG in India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) have jointly released a pivotal report, "Strengthening Post Graduate Medical Education in India." Unveiled at the 18th edition of FICCI's annual healthcare conference, FICCI HEAL 2024, the report underscores the urgent need to reform postgraduate medical education to meet the demands of universal health coverage (UHC) in India. It argues that, as the country’s healthcare needs expand, the availability, accessibility, and affordability of medical services—referred to as the "3As"—are vital for equitable healthcare outcomes.

The report highlights how, despite significant government initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM), systemic challenges remain, particularly in addressing shortages in qualified healthcare professionals and imbalances in medical education. Emphasising that a skilled workforce is fundamental to healthcare reform, it outlines strategic steps to better align India's postgraduate medical education system with modern healthcare needs and global standards.

Key Challenges in Postgraduate Medical Education

The report identifies several critical obstacles within India’s postgraduate medical education system:

• Workforce Shortages: Limited seat availability and high rates of student migration have contributed to a shortage of qualified healthcare professionals.
• Geographic Disparities: Significant regional imbalances in medical seat distribution disadvantage rural and underserved communities.
• Preference for MD/MS over DNB: A strong preference for MD/MS programs over Diplomate of National Board (DNB) pathways has led to limited diversity in medical training. Elevating the status of DNB programs could help diversify the field.
• Research and Compliance Gaps: Limited focus on research, coupled with regulatory hurdles, has led to a disconnect between specialty training and actual healthcare demands.

Strategic Recommendations to Transform Medical Education

To address these challenges, the report outlines several recommendations aimed at enhancing the quality, access, and inclusivity of postgraduate medical education in India:

Enhancing Quality of Education: It advocates for modernised, competency-based curricula that emphasise not only clinical skills but also soft skills and ethics. Other suggestions include improving faculty development, incorporating digital health and technology, and fostering public-private partnerships to elevate educational standards.

Improving Access: Expanding seat capacity for postgraduate medical programs and ensuring balanced distribution across specialties and regions are key. By leveraging government support and PPPs, the report suggests improving infrastructure, broadening entry pathways, and offering financial aid to aspiring medical professionals.

Incentivising Specialised Fields: Financial incentives and loan repayment programs are proposed to attract professionals to underserved specialties. Enhanced career growth, awareness initiatives, and professional development could make these fields more appealing to students.

Expanding Alternative Pathways: Strengthening and elevating DNB programs as a respected alternative to MD/MS pathways is also crucial. Recognising DNB qualifications more broadly and providing financial support could help attract and retain talent.

Fostering Research and Innovation: The report calls for supportive research environments and recommends integrating research within clinical training. Offering grants and encouraging collaboration between academic institutions and the government can drive multidisciplinary medical innovation.

Reflecting on India’s healthcare progress, Dr. Anna van Poucke, Global Head of Healthcare at KPMG International, commented, “India's healthcare landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as a beacon of hope and innovation on the global stage. With the government’s commitment to UHC, healthcare is increasingly viewed as a right for all. However, to translate this progress into tangible benefits for every citizen, a skilled workforce that meets modern healthcare demands is essential. As India’s healthcare journey advances, it offers valuable lessons for the world, especially in prioritising collaboration, innovation, and quality.”

Lalit Mistry, Partner and Co-head of Healthcare at KPMG in India, emphasised, “The transformation of postgraduate medical education represents a monumental opportunity for our healthcare system. With an unprecedented demand for skilled professionals, modernising curricula, improving practical training, and ensuring regional access to education are critical steps. This report is more than a response to immediate challenges; it is an investment in a healthier future for every citisen of India.”

The KPMG-FICCI report advocates a sweeping overhaul of India’s postgraduate medical education system, focusing on an equitable and skilled healthcare workforce that aligns with the nation’s UHC goals. By addressing workforce shortages, regional disparities, and limited training diversity, India has an opportunity to build a resilient healthcare system that serves all its citizens equitably and meets the demands of a modern, evolving healthcare landscape.