Notes From the Field: Are Rural Medical Practitioners in India Competent?

In India, rural medical practitioners (RMPs) practice allopathic, homeopathic, and other modern systems of medicine without formal medical training. However, the quality of treatment offered remains questionable. The present study systematically examines the knowledge, practices, and competencies of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Evaluation & the health professions 2015-12, Vol.38 (4), p.563-567
Main Author: Mondal, Swadhin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abortion
Childbirth & labor
Clinical Competence - standards
Community Health Workers - standards
Competence
Health administration
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health technology assessment
Humans
Inappropriateness
India
Intervention
Medical diagnosis
Medical education
Medical personnel
Medical treatment
Quality of Health Care
Rural communities
Rural health care
Rural Health Services - standards
Service provision
Unsafe
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Summary:In India, rural medical practitioners (RMPs) practice allopathic, homeopathic, and other modern systems of medicine without formal medical training. However, the quality of treatment offered remains questionable. The present study systematically examines the knowledge, practices, and competencies of the RMPs. While about 80% of RMPs can diagnose common diseases and treat them, 25% are involved in inappropriate practices like unsafe abortion and unsafe childbirth. Hence, there is an urgent need for appropriate intervention to reduce potential harm and improve care provided.
ISSN:0163-2787
1552-3918
DOI:10.1177/0163278715583509