Improving the quality of medical education in India

Enhancing the quality of medical education across India is the foremost priority of Dr BN Gangadhar, the newly appointed chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC), as revealed in an exclusive interview with News18.  The NMC, responsible for regulating medical education nationwide, had been operating without a full-time chairperson since September 2023. Dr Gangadhar, formerly the director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), had been serving as interim chairman following Dr. Suresh Chandra Sharma’s tenure.

Dr Gangadhar emphasised the significant responsibility of his new role, acknowledging the exceptional efforts of medical colleges in shaping the future of approximately one lakh students. He highlighted the need to maintain a delicate balance between enhancing quality and managing the financial burdens faced by colleges and medical education departments.

An MD in Psychiatry from Bangalore University, Dr Gangadhar is renowned for integrating yoga services in clinical applications for mental health and neurosciences. His work, especially in yoga therapy for psychiatric disorders like depression and schizophrenia, has influenced practice guidelines. A former NIMHANS colleague noted his substantial research contributions, with over 400 publications and an H-index of 55, reflecting the significant impact and high citation rate of his research.

Dr Gangadhar has led the NIMHANS Integrated Centre for Yoga since its inception and directed the de-addiction center from 2003 to 2006. Known for his “soft leadership skills” emphasizing empathy, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building, he is widely respected in the industry.

In a post by Manoshanti, a mental health organisation in Maharashtra, praised Dr Gangadhar as “a man with vision and foresight,” affirming that Indian medical education would benefit greatly from his experience and wisdom.