The bilateral relationship between India and China is getting stronger, both countries share similarities and connections in ancient days. Like all the other civilizations, India and China had developed their own system of medicine before the spread of modern medicine. After 18th century western medicine began to spread in India where as in China it was only in 19th century. Now China’s education system is the largest education system in the world. In the last two decades, China has become the most favorable destination of education especially for MBBS aspirants from all parts of the world. More than 811 universities in China enroll International students. China’s Education Ministry point out that India is one among the top ten countries who sends students for medical study to China. In these circumstances, let us have a peep into the medical curriculum of both countries.
In India, MCI decides and maintains a uniform standard in medical education. The curriculum of MBBS course will be as per MCI regulations on Graduate Medical education in 1997. MCI has the right to recommend for recognition of medical institutions of India and foreign countries. In order to pursue MBBS in India MCI suggest 50% marks in Physics Chemistry Biology and in English. In China, majority of medical universities are under the control of Chinese Government. Ministry of Education plays an important role in selecting the Universities which can recruit international students in its English medium program. Even if education and teaching facilities are high in standards, capitation fees and entrance exams are not big hurdles in China for international students. As a result more than 8000 Indian medical students enrolled in the year 2010, University World News reports.
Since 1998 the government has introduced a lot of reforms in the field of education. Medical universities in China have been raising their standard of medical education every year. In China in order to take admission for MBBS, the student must have passed plus 2 exams with 70 % above marks in Physics Chemistry and Biology individually with English as a compulsory subject. The minimum pass mark in each subject in the university MBBS examination is 60% in China. In India, student must have obtained a minimum of 50% marks in theory and practical examinations to pass the MBBS examination. . Apart from India’s MBBS program, China’s medical education can provide specialization in subjects like Bio medical engineering, Social Medicine and health management etc.
In India MBBS course extended over a period of 4 ½ years with one year compulsory internship. Total duration of MBBS course in India is 5 ½ years. First 1 ½ years student is taught pre clinical subjects and the rest 3 years candidates are given depth knowledge in clinical subjects. In Indian medical education system the syllabus are based on pure medical subjects. Total 4 ½ years are divided in to 3 phases. First phase is with two semesters fully based on pre – clinical subjects like human anatomy physiology and Biochemistry etc. In second phase, 3 semesters are included with Para-clinical and clinical subjects like Pharmacology Pathology Microbiology and Forensic Medicine. On Phase three, it would be the 7th semester with subjects like Pediatrics, ENT, Community Medicine, Ophthalmology and other allied specialties of Medicine and Surgery. Passing in each phase is compulsory before proceeding to next phase. An exit exam at MBBS level has been proposed by health ministry from 2017- 18 onwards with aim to further improve the quality standards in Indian medical system.
Five year programs with one year internship are the back bone of China’s medical education system. The curriculum shall include compulsory course and elective course according to the requirements of the University. Students’ internship would be arranged in the same university’s affiliated hospital or the student can do his internship in his own country. In china the entire course is divided in to 10 semesters and the total ten semesters divided into two parts. First semester is devoted to study the subjects like cell biology, physics and Chemistry and Chinese language. The goal of this is to have all students from different parts of world to reach a uniform level understanding of plus two subjects. Basic medical subjects are taught within the first four semesters. Next six semesters are intended for Clinical subjects. In second semester it would be like Anatomy, Physiology, Chinese language and Bio-Chemistry. Third semester revolves around subjects like Pharmacology and pathology. Within the fourth semester subjects like Pharmacology, Pathology, Community Medicine and Microbiology would be taught.
China is so proud of their country’s Philosophy, martial art forms, history, art and Calligraphy etc. So as a part to spread the glory of their culture, government introduced many plans. Spreading Chinese language is one among them. Chinese language is mandatory for foreign students who wish to study in China. Medical students need to study the language not only because it is mandatory but also its knowledge helps them in their daily communication during the life in China. The language classes begin with basic Chinese and continue to medical Chinese teaching terms and communications. The main teaching aim of Chinese language is to provide foreign students better understanding of the language both in communication and writing.
Are you fascinated with Kung fu by watching Donnie Yen in IP Man series? Are you fascinated with Kung fu by watching ‘Po’? Yes of course you have a chance to study it if you are a medical student in China. The Government pays great attention to students’ health and physical education. Chinese people believe that Physical education has a great role in education. It is believed that Damo the Buddhist Monk from India who reformed the kung fu combining physical movement and breathing to solve his disciples’ fitness problem. Physical education is a compulsory subject in China’s MBBS program in first five semesters. Martial arts forms like Kung fu, Tai chi and yoga are taught in Chinese medical curriculum. Another feature of Chinese medical curriculum is its ‘credit system for elective classes‘. Most of the universities require the students to have at least 20 credits by the time of his graduation. The credits can be gained by choosing subjects like literature reviews, drawing classes, swimming, film making, photography etc.
The medical education system is undergoing constant changes, both in India & China. The Macroeconomic growth brought drastic changes to China. Whereas a lot of government reforms are trying to further improve the overall quality of medical education in India. Its a vast topic to be explored, and our observation on the recent trends in both these countries continues…