NMC Revises Medical Curriculum to Include Forensic Medicine Updates

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has updated the forensic medicine and toxicology curriculum for undergraduate medical students. Key changes include the reintroduction of unnatural sexual offences, topics on the hymen, and the removal of disability training. Emphasis is on creating a globally relevant 'Indian Medical Graduate'.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has reintroduced 'sodomy and lesbianism' as unnatural sexual offences within the forensic medicine and toxicology curriculum for undergraduate medical students. This comes alongside revisiting subjects like the hymen and its medico-legal importance.

Additional topics reintroduced include virginity, defloration, and medico-legal terminologies. These subjects were previously excluded in alignment with a 2022 Madras High Court directive. The curriculum also outlines legal competencies detailed in various acts including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The seven-hour training on disability has been removed. The NMC states the aim is to adapt to changing demographics and advances in medical education, to produce an 'Indian Medical Graduate' proficient as a primary care physician with a global relevance.

(With inputs from agencies.)