05 April,2011 06:37 AM IST | | Alifiya Khan
The MUHS is planning a compulsory counselling course for students in a bid to reduce stress and suicide among them
In a concerted effort to reduce the number of suicide cases among medical students, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) has decided to introduce mandatory counseling for aspiring doctors. Speaking to MiD DAY, Dr Arun Jamkar, vice-chancellor of MUHS, said that the move has been approved by two faculties and will now be moved to the academic council for final approval.
"There has been rise in incidence of suicide among students recently. This is a grave and alarming matter. We want to devise some techniques that will help reduce the pressure on the medical students. We have decided to introduce a new module of counselling as part of the MBBS course. This will be a compulsory short-term programme in the form of a workshop. It could also be a series of counselling sessions spread over a seven-day period," said Jamkar.
He further added that the proposal has been passed by the ayurvedic and homeopathic faculties and is nearing the final stages of approval.
"We aim to hold these workshops at the beginning of the new academic year with each batch, starting from the next academic session. We are in talks with the Art of Living Foundation that has a module for instruction in suicide prevention and coping mechanisms for students. The foundation has shown interest in conducting workshops in medical colleges across the state. We will think of other areas as well and devise a structured seven-day module which will be mandatory for all medical students across the state," said Jamkar.
Psychiatrists have welcomed the move but are skeptical about its efficacy.
"Principally, it is a good thing that the varsity has thought of such a move but I'm not sure if it will work. It all depends on how they plan to execute it. A seven-day workshop or course will not have any sustained effect," said Dr Jyoti Shetty, psychiatrist at KEM and Deenanath Mangeshkar hospital.
Notice Board
RIMS Intl School organises wellness programme
RIMS International School has endeavoured to make this World Health Day worthwhile by initiating a Wellness program on Thursday to inculcate awareness amongst the students. A panel of doctors will be present at the event, followed by a demonstration of scientific yoga and a puppet show to highlight the importance of health.
GeeBee organises seminar on overseas education
GeeBee Education, an overseas education consultant, has organised a free seminar on "Study Abroad" on April 12 at Shivaji Nagar. The Countries to be covered are: USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Switzerland. The topics include selecting top ranked universities, scholarships, documentation and exam preparation.
