PG in Family Medicine to address shortage of General Practitioners in India

Pathfinder Health India, a primary healthcare organisation with social intent, founded by an alliance of social entrepreneurs from the United Kingdom and India, commenced its PG Diploma in Family Medicine for clinicians with a four day workshop in primary healthcare. The 12 month PG Diploma in Family Medicine is taught by doctors affiliated to University of Westminster in collaboration with Rila Institute of Health Sciences, London. The syllabus is designed to equip the doctor with knowledge and practical skills for delivering care in a community setting.

Topics focused on clinical areas include Urology (urinary tract infections, renal stones, prostate disease, urinary incontinence and chronic renal disease), Elderly Care (falls, immobility, malnutrition, osteoporosis and old age psychiatry) and Palliative and Terminal care of patients (breaking bad news, pain management).

Dr Niti Pall, Chairman and Managing Director, Pathfinder Health India, said “India needs to re- invent the General Practitioners model wherein the patients can access affordable primary healthcare without the need to visit specialists at the onset or when it’s too late. This PG Diploma not only fills the gap in the current GP market in India but also falls in line with Union Health Ministry and the Medical Council of India’s recent introduction of a new three-year postgraduate course – MD (family medicine).”

The overall curriculum of the PG course includes modules like Chronic Disease Management, Maternal and Child Health, Mental Health, Urgent and Emergency presentations, Tropical Medicine, Public health and Health Promotion amongst many others. The doctors will also be expected to attain and demonstrate the acquisition of Key Practical Skills necessary in primary care e.g. use of auriscope and ophthalmoscope, basic respiratory tests, venepuncture, recording and interpretation of the electrocardiogram. There are numerous regular tests and mini examinations with a final exit examination covering the whole syllabus. The formal academic Diploma is awarded to successful participants by the Westminster University in collaboration with Rila. Qualified nurses will be eligible to sit in these workshops as well.