Maharashtra to start DNB Courses at District Hospitals from next year

Mumbai: The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) Maharashtra, has recently intimated about the commencement of Diplomat of National Board (DNB) courses in collaboration with the public health department from the academic year 2020 in the state.

Apart from MD and MS which is offered at medical colleges, the many district hospitals in Maharashtra are currently offering College for Physicians and Surgeons Diploma courses (CPS). Now, the DMER has shown has an inclination towards starting the DNB course, according to a recent report by Mirror.

This move comes after close contradiction in apprehensions of DMER and the State Health Department over starting DNB courses in the state. The health department had alleged that DMER refused to provide hands-on training due to which NBE had cancelled the proposal to start DNB courses.

"The fees for the courses were paid by the state government. Other funds for the programme were also approved by the National Health Mission. However, the DMER denied providing the hands-on training due to which the NBE cancelled the proposal for the state, " officials from the public health department told Pune Mirror.

On the other hand, Director of DMER, Dr Tatayaro Lahane stated that he was never approached by the health department and the proposal was rejected by the NBE.

Under the proposal, district hospitals in Nashik, Pune and Beed were given priority. According to a clause of the National Board of Examinations (NBE), a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide practical training has to be inked between the district hospital and the nearest government medical college.

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Now, the DMER is ready to start the programme and Dr Lahane has given his confirmation to the same.

"The DMER is ready to start the programme and will support the initiative. Our medical colleges will sign the MoU with the public health department and provide the required training, library support and faculty to the students," Director Dr Lahane told Pune Mirror.

Expressing over the same, President of Maharashtra Medical Council, Dr Shivkumar Utture opined that it is a good initiative. "DNB courses are equivalent to MD/MS. It is a win-win situation for both doctors and patients. At present, most DNB courses are held in private colleges," he added.