KPMG in India, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), has released a new report titled “Strengthening Post Graduate Medical Education in India”.

The report was unveiled at the 18th edition of FICCI’s annual healthcare conference, FICCI HEAL 2024, on 5th November. This report highlights the urgent need for reform in India's healthcare system, where universal health coverage (UHC) is a national priority. The report emphasises the critical role of medical education in addressing the shortage of qualified professionals and analyzes the evolution of the Indian healthcare ecosystem over the past thirty years. It identifies three key pillars—Affordability, Accessibility, and Availability (the 3As)—that are vital for equitable healthcare services.

While the Government of India has introduced initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) to promote UHC, challenges such as a shortage of qualified doctors and disparities in medical education remain. The report calls for a re-evaluation of the medical education system to better align with evolving healthcare needs and global standards, aiming to enhance the quality of healthcare professionals and improve health outcomes.

The report's recommendations include- modernise curricula to focus on competency-based education, soft skills, and ethics; Improve faculty development and teaching experiences; Incorporate technology and digital health into training; Promote public-private partnerships (PPP) to elevate educational standards; Expand postgraduate seat capacity and ensure equitable distribution across specialties and states; Leverage PPPs and government support to improve infrastructure; and Diversify entry pathways and provide financial aid to ensure accessibility for all aspiring medical professionals.