Implementation of Competency-based Medical Education in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology in Indian Medical Education — A Viewpoint on Challenges and Way Forward

ABSTRACT

The changing disease burden, living conditions and anticipations of end-users in health care have resulted in the decision of regulatory bodies in the Indian medical education system to shift the MBBS curriculum from Traditional to Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME).The efforts taken by the National Medical Commission (NMC) erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) to successful implementation of the herculean task of shifting curriculum are praiseworthy. MCI initiated a National Faculty Development Programme (FDP) in 2009 in all medical colleges under its ambit.MCI started with five regional centres, which now expanded to 22 centres, out of which 12 are regional centres, and 10 are advanced nodal centres. Nearly 44932 faculties were trained till December 2018. Despite all the advantages of CBME & the efforts taken up by governing bodies, there are many challenges. Some are common for all subjects, but few are unique or specific to a subject. This article views the possible challenges and the way forward for the successful implementation of CBME in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology.