Health Ministry Directs MCI To Establish MD-DNB Equivalence

Taking cognisance of the issue of equivalence of the MD- DNB degrees for the purpose of medical academia, the Health ministry has now directed the MCI to amend its TEQ regulations, deleting 3-year junior residency and specifically mentioning DNB along with MD/MS in the academic qualifications for various faculty posts.

MCI with its amendment of Teachers Eligibility qualifications (TEQ) regulations had spelt major difficulties for candidates who pass out their DNBs from institutes that are not MCI recognised. With the said amendment, a DNB degree holder from a non-MCI recognised institute would require 3 years of junior residency and 2 years of Senior residency, to be eligible for a teaching post of assistant professor, implying a clear 5 years of additional service if they dream to have a career in Medical Academia.

This was followed by hordes of DNB candidates, furiously writing to the health ministry, NBE, as well as others, concerned seeking relief in the matter. The move caused the NBE officials rush to the health ministry as well as PMO in order to seek relief.

Now, a clarification has been issued by Health Ministry. Defining its stand on the amendments, the Health ministry informed that it has asked the MCI to remove the three year JR requirement and also deal with the issue of DNB- MD equivalence.

The matter is being pursued by with MCI and a decision will be taken on receipt of their recommendation.