Maternal and child health and community based problem oriented medical curriculum
Bansal, R.K.; Sharma, V.
Indian Journal of Maternal and Child Health Official Publication of Indian Maternal and Child Health Association 4(3): 78-80
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0970-8928 PMID: 12287004 Document Number: 330498
In India, 2 professors introduced maternal and child health (MCH) as a problem-oriented, community-based teaching experiment in the curriculum of the Pramukhswami Medical College in Karamsad in Gujarat State to determine whether it could help the medical students identify the shortcomings in health care provision for women and children. The students conducted their community/MCH rounds in the agriculture-rich area of Kheda district and in the poorer desert area of Gujarat. They learned that the MCH profile and health care delivery were inferior in the low income areas. Common shortcomings were improper sterilization techniques during vaccination, missed vaccination opportunities. Improper storage of vaccines, inadequate distribution of iron and folic acid, high prevalence of protein energy malnutrition in children, maternal anemia, and high infant and maternal morbidity and mortality. The students mingled with the population to become familiar with their values and economic profile. They used audiovisual aids, dramas, songs, lectures, and group discussions to inform them in a socially relevant matter about health and nutrition. Students learned about the significance of low cost appropriate technology and community participation. This experiment convinced the professors to restructure the medical curriculum accordingly so future physicians would gain better insight into the current health situation and to fully prepare them for their important role. To achieve health for all by 2000, physicians must be able to relate to the communties' priorities to effect improvements in health.