DOCTORS DECRY FALLING MEDICAL EDUCATION STANDARDS
THE Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) has raised a red flag over the falling standards of medical training in the country.
Dr Oliver Kaoma, ZMA secretary general said in a statement yesterday that commercialization had fostered a culture of academic dishonesty and prioritisation of numbers over quality education.
He said to address the declining standards of medical education, the association will today hold an Indaba to address matters on regulation of training, accreditation, enforcement of standards, transparency in educational practices, and entry criteria into medical schools among others.
Dr Kaoma said a shift towards prioritisation of passing exams rather than mastering the clinical skills necessary for competent practice.
He said further, there was a shortage of qualified faculty members as many experienced clinicians were reluctant to transition into teaching roles due to poor conditions of service, heavy clinical workloads, and inadequate support for academic endeavours.
Dr Kaoma said most medical schools relied on inexperienced faculty members who lacked the necessary expertise to provide quality education.
“As the custodians of the medical profession in Zambia, whose mission is to promote and maintain high standards of medical practice through continuous medical education, research and influencing public policy on health matters, we strongly believe that addressing the declining standards of medical education requires a collaborative effort from stakeholders at all levels,” he said.
Dr Kaoma said there was a lack of standardisation in assessment methods which undermined the credibility of medical education.
“Through strategic reforms and concerted efforts, it is possible to rejuvenate medical education and produce competent, compassionate healthcare professionals equipped to meet the evolving needs of society,” he said.