Need-based undergraduate medical curriculum.

There is a growing concern over the quality of medical education for undergraduates in India. This paper is an attempt to define a need-based curriculum and outline the initiatives taken by the Medical Council of India (M.C.I.) in developing a need-based curriculum. The steps include: clear delineation of goals and objectives of education; adoption of innovative teaching and learning methodology, adjustments in the course structure, updating of course content, rationalizing assessment strategy, and emphasis on structured and skill oriented internship. For effective implementation of these measures, strategies such as establishment of Medical Education Unites (MEUs), visible funding of education, more recognition to teaching and impetus to staff development activities have been suggested.