KPMG-FICCI report finds equitable, accessible medical training crucial to meet healthcare needs in India

The report highlights the urgent need for reform in India's healthcare system, where universal health coverage (UHC) is a national priority. With a growing population and increasing healthcare demands, ensuring affordability, accessibility, and availability of services is essential for equitable health outcomes.

Updated On Nov 6, 2024 at 01:18 PM IST

New Delhi: A recent report from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and KPMG in India urges immediate changes to postgraduate medical education in India. The paper, titled “Strengthening Post Graduate Medical Education in India”, which was presented at the 18th FICCI HEAL 2024 conference, demands the necessity of reforming medical education in order to promote universal health coverage (UHC).

The research aims to create a more robust and fair healthcare system by highlighting important issues such as affordability, accessibility, and availability of healthcare services in light of India's growing healthcare requirements.

While the Government of India has introduced initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) to promote UHC, challenges such as a shortage of qualified doctors and disparities in medical education remain.

Key findings of the report reveal that the current system faces workforce shortages, aggravated by an imbalance in postgraduate seat distribution, driving many students abroad for opportunities. Geographic disparities are also notable, with rural and underserved areas particularly affected by limited access to medical seats.
The report recommends a multi-faceted strategy to modernize postgraduate medical education. Suggestions include adopting a competency-based curriculum that emphasizes ethics, digital health, and soft skills to better equip graduates.

“By addressing the urgent shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, India can ensure that its advancements translate into tangible benefits for every citizen, " stated Dr. Anna van Poucke, Global Head of Healthcare, KPMG International.