In a significant move to protect students from financial exploitation and elevate the standard of medical training, the Telangana health department unveiled a comprehensive set of reforms on Friday. The initiative specifically targets the pervasive issue of 'hidden fees' charged by private medical colleges, which burdens students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Curbing Hidden Costs and Forming Oversight Committee
Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha pointed out that despite government tuition reimbursement under the convener quota, students from poor and middle-class families continue to face substantial additional expenses. These unofficial charges are not just a financial strain but are also adversely affecting academic performance, the minister stated.
"Government support must go beyond just tuition fees," Rajanarsimha emphasized. To tackle this deep-rooted problem, the department will constitute a special committee. This body will conduct a detailed study on these extra charges and recommend concrete measures for government intervention to shield students.
Bridging Language Gaps and Prioritizing Mental Health
The reforms also address critical non-financial barriers. The minister highlighted the severe language challenges faced by students from rural and economically weaker sections. Difficulty in comprehending English medical terminology often leads to stress, a sense of isolation, and even prompts students to drop out.
To bridge this gap, spoken English and communication skills training will be introduced for first- and second-year MBBS students. This program is modeled on similar successful initiatives already running in government nursing colleges across the state.
Recognizing the intense pressure of medical studies, the policy mandates a strong focus on student mental health. All colleges will be required to appoint psychologists and psychiatrists to provide regular counselling. Furthermore, systems will be established to proactively identify students showing early signs of emotional distress for timely support.
Infrastructure Upgrade and Stricter Monitoring
On the academic and infrastructure front, the announced reforms are wide-ranging. Key upgrades include:
- Establishment of digital classrooms, modern skill labs, and enhanced research centres.
- Upgradation of libraries and expansion of postgraduate and super-specialty seats.
- Stricter monitoring of private medical colleges to ensure compliance with standards.
- Recruitment of additional staff for the Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS).
- Full digitalisation of all university activities, including the examination process.
Concluding the announcement, Minister Rajanarsimha stressed that the quality of healthcare is directly dependent on the quality of medical education. He assured there would be no compromise on standards and described these sweeping reforms as a decisive step towards democratizing medical education in Telangana, making it more accessible and equitable for all deserving students.
