Yoga, ayurvedic science to be in MBBS course of PGI

Naina Mishra

Chandigarh, August 7

Standing Academic Committee (SAC) of the PGI here has recommended that the concept of yoga science, ayurvedic science and traditional medicine should be included in the MBBS curriculum for lectures as a separate chapter. The committee has also recommended that new branches such as aviation medicine and organ transplant be included in the syllabus.

A proposal was tabled at a meeting held last month for getting the approval of the committee for the setting up of a medical college for MBBS and also 500-bed hospital, an extension of Nehru Hospital having all clinical departments required for running the MBBS course. “Considering a shortage of medical doctors in the country, this expertise of faculty and residents can be used effectively to provide quality training to undergraduates also by starting the MBBS course at the PGI,” read the proposal.

The PGI Director, Prof Vivek Lal, said, “We have designed a state-of-the-art curriculum for the MBBS course but the final nod is awaited from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Standing Academic Committee has cleared it. Yoga science will be an integral part of the curriculum and we will also have research postings. Our MBBS committee has worked round the clock to make the curriculum cutting edge.”

The PGI has proposed a state-of-the-art medical college with an intake of 100 students for the MBBS course to be started at the PGI extension in Sarangpur, Chandigarh. A new 500-bedded hospital is proposed to be attached to this medical college with a requisite number of beds for the respective clinical departments as per the NMC/DCI guidelines.

The 500-bed hospital will comprise modular operation theatres, an administrative block, a library, accommodation for faculty, paramedical staff and students, and a learning resources centre with integrated skill lab, which will be the first of its kind, for imparting soft skills and surgical skills in all specialties of medicine. The total cost of the project with all modern amenities has been estimated at about Rs 1,800 crore. The detailed proposal of the building, housing and other civil work manpower will be made once the authorities get the approval in principle.

SAC recommendations

• Incentives for research at the undergraduate level should be encouraged
• Concept of yoga science, ayurvedic science and traditional medicine to be a separate chapter for lectures
• New branches like aviation medicine and organ transplant to be included in the syllabus
• Drug de-addiction, effects of tobacco and smoking should also be included as a separate entity in the curriculum under community medicine and public health, besides psychiatry

Sarangpur plans

The PGI has proposed a state-of-the-art medical college with an intake of 100 students for the MBBS course to be started at the PGI extension in Sarangpur, Chandigarh. A 500-bed hospital will be attached to the college. The cost of the project has been estimated at Rs 1,800 crore.

Ministry nod awaited

We have designed a state-of-the-art curriculum for the MBBS course but the final nod is awaited from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Yoga science will be an integral part of the curriculum. — Prof Vivek Lal, PGI Director