Medical curriculum revision sparks outrage by activists over omission of disability, transgender rights
The Hindu
Disability and transgender advocates criticize National Medical Commission's curriculum for exclusion of RPDA and TPA provisions.
Disability rights activists and transgender advocates have raised alarms over the non-inclusion of provisions outlined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPDA), 2016 and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act (TPA), 2019 in the National Medical Commission's revised Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) Curriculum.
In a letter addressed to Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar, the leaders of disability and transgender communities expressed their dismay.
The letter penned by Central Advisory Board on Disability Chairperson Dr. Satendra Singh and Association for Transgender Health in India CEO Air Commodore (Retd.) Dr. Sanjay Sharma highlighted how the new curriculum, released on August 31, 2024, fails to address critical issues impacting these marginalized groups.
"The curriculum has been deemed outdated and archaic, contradicting the Supreme Court judgements and previous guidelines," stated the letter.
The controversy led to widespread media coverage and public backlash, culminating in the withdrawal of the curriculum on Teachers' Day, September 5, 2024.
While the revised curriculum was re-released on Thursday (September 12, 2024), the activists are disheartened by its failure to reintegrate disability competencies and adequately address transgender health issues.
“Despite an acknowledgment of the oversight by a senior NMC member, the curriculum remains unchanged on these fronts,” the letter said.
Bengaluru commuters demand platform screen doors for safety, but high costs and engineering challenges hinder implementation on existing metro routes.
Madras HC to hear appeals on December 12 regarding the lighting of Mahadeepam at Thirupparankundram temple.
N. Ram warns that hate politics threatens India’s democracy, urging the South to remain a bastion against these forces.
Nanjil Sampath joins Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, revitalizing his political career after six years away from party politics.
D.K. Shivakumar announces that five Blue Line stations will open once construction is completed, enhancing Bengaluru's airport connectivity.
Russia begins fuel shipments for Kudankulam's third reactor, enhancing efficiency and extending operational cycles for the nuclear power project.
Supreme Court urges governments to simplify administration, warning that excessive rules may lead to judicial review and citizen burdens.
Trinamool MP Shatabdi Roy's remarks on Bangla-speaking deportations spark protests in Lok Sabha, igniting a heated political debate.
Sunali Khatun returns to India with her son after six months in Bangladesh, following Supreme Court intervention.
Warangal will be developed on the lines of Hyderabad, says Revanth
Three-tier security measures and traffic restrictions are in place for the India-South Africa ODI match in Vizag.
A seven-year-old girl dies from severe dengue shock syndrome in Bengaluru, highlighting the challenges faced by migrant families in healthcare access.
DGP reviews security arrangements for Global Summit