Membership of Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom (MRCP(UK)) is a postgraduate medical diploma in the UK. Moreover, the examinations for the membership are held throughout the UK and in overseas centres. Read on to find out how this prestigious membership can reverse the fortunes of India’s Healthcare.
Current State of India’s Healthcare
India has a population of over 1.42 billion people. However, India produces not enough specialists each year. Besides, only around 400 seats are available to pursue DM in cardiology when the requirement in cardiology is nearly 3375. Lastly, around 120 DM seats are available in Nephrology against a demand for over 2000 kidney specialists a year.
These figures mirror the pathetic state of India’s healthcare crisis. In addition, they also reveal the utter failure of the government initiatives. India further has an appalling doctor-patient ratio. It is less than one doctor for 1000 people. Lastly, the country is found wanting when it comes to seats made available for postgraduate studies in medicine.
Students start their practice as junior doctors in public and private hospitals after earning their MBBS. However, the jobs are extremely demanding. Furthermore, there are over 500 medical colleges in India under government and private domains.
Meeting the Demand
This calls for a requirement to bridge the gap between available seats and the increasing need for more specialists. This further opens up new paths like an international degree in post-graduation. A degree that is recognized by international professional bodies, most notably by Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in the United Kingdom.
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons is a college with Royal patronage and permission to use the prefix Royal. Besides, the educational institute is usually granted permission by a Royal Charter.
Incorporation is obtained pretty easily. However, the distinction of a Royal Charter gives it an appeal. Furthermore, it is granted to educational institutions that are considered as professional societies in the public interest.
Certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (UK) is considered as an equivalent to a post-graduate medical degree in India. Moreover, it is also recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
International Recognition at Home
One need not travel overseas to take these examinations anymore. Moreover, you can appear for a PG diploma from Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (UK) by attending the exam at any of the metropolitan cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
Dates are allocated 2-3 times a year in these centres. In addition, they often fall in February, May and November each year. This further helps to reduce the count of candidates appearing in each schedule. Lastly, details on enrolment and examination schedule are rolled out 3 months before the exam.
Indian doctors who wish to receive a Membership of Royal College of Physicians need to enrol as soon as the dates are announced. Moreover, this needs to be done to make sure that they are not pushed to the next intake.
All qualifications have two or three theoretical papers which a doctor has to pass before appearing for a final oral and clinical exam. Fees to take these tests range from 500 to 1000 British pounds per exam.
Doctors with one year of experience can attempt the first part of each of these exams individually. Furthermore, preference is given to those who are associated with a teaching hospital that is DNB approved or affiliated to a medical college.
