The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Diploma course in diabetology yet to be recognised

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 04, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Diploma course in diabetology yet to be recognised

R. Sujatha

The course is mired in `administrative problems' Diploma made mandatory for doctors who wish to treat diabetes

CHENNAI: The two-year diploma course in diabetology conducted by the Madras Medical College (MMC) was started in 1985, recognising the need for an in-depth study. Doctors who evolved the course then had done so to generate the expertise to address the ``growing epidemic.'' Since then, nearly 60 MBBS students have graduated.

The course, however, continues to be conducted but is mired in ``administrative problems.'' The Medical Council of India (MCI), considered the apex body that approves all courses in medical colleges around the country, has not recognised the course, even as late as January.

A senior doctor at MMC's diabetology department says the outpatient ward receives 800 visitors every day, apart from the 500 people who visit the `general medicine' ward.

Medically, diabetes is considered an endocrine problem and is classified as part of endocrinology. Only three or four hours are set aside for study of diabetes at the undergraduate level.

Currently, three students are admitted to the two-year course every year. Students with MD or MS are exempted because they study the subject in detail. In the initial years, general practitioners had taught the course. Later, diploma holders replaced them.

Government order

In another development, a government order was issued making the diploma mandatory for doctors who wish to treat diabetes or become head of the department in Government-run hospitals. Some senior doctors who did not take the course say this will affect promotions.

C.V. Bhirmanandham, Vice Chancellor of the Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, a member of the MCI, says though the course is not recognised, students who have completed the course will be awarded the diploma. Every year, until the course receives recognition, the college must forward a request to the university, which will be sent to the MCI for approval. Every three years, a team from the council inspects the college and courses and certification is awarded.

Dr. Bhirmanandham says: "The MCI is the apex body. We have to go by the guidelines of the apex body. The University functions under the guidelines given by the MCI and the Government. If you have an ICCU ward, then would you start a course for ICCU? Then there must be MD courses in hypertension, heart attack and various other diseases."

He points out that if the council rejects the college's request then, it may create problems when students seek jobs in other parts of the country or world.

Practising diabetologist V. Seshaiah, a former professor at the MMC who was involved in the development of the course and who taught the first few batches, says only three colleges in the country (two in Mumbai and the MMC) offer this course.

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