600 doctors have distance learning diplomas derecognized by MMC
The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has derecognized the diplomas of 600 doctors who tried to enhance their academic credientials via distance educationa diplomas offered by hospitals like Pune’s Ruby Hall Clinic and Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Apollo Hospital. Dr. Kishore Taori (President – MMC) has condemned this action and said, “In their rush to garner prized certificates, doctors end up being gullible, unaware of the fact that these courses are in fact illegal. “Hospitals are duping them; so it’s not only doctors who are at fault but also the hospitals, against whom action must be taken,”
A similar stance was taken by the Indian College of Cardiology, Cardiological Society of Kerala, and Kerala Heart Rhythm Society, as seen our recent blog post- “Cardiologists oppose ‘fake’ specialists: Protesting against MBBS + PGDCC diploma holders calling themselves Cardiologists” These medical bodies are condemning the validity of PGDCC distance learning diplomas offered by IGNOU which has since been scrapped. It is important to note that a diploma or speciality cannot be learnt via distance learning without hands on training. This leads to drop in patient care quality and lapses in critical care as well. The fact that ceratin hospitals are offering these diplomas and entrapping doctors to take up these diplomas is quite disturbing.
When governing bodies like the MMC takes such steps it is good assurance that a careful watch is being kept on how doctors acquire their credentials. This practice must be replicated and maintained across states so as to avoid medical malpractice that could take place as a result of such diplomas being offered. Its also important that hospitals who offer such diplomas are monitored and penalized for not following proper standards, this would serve a dual purpose of scrapping such courses and acting as a safety net for doctors.
