ZAMBIA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
9th April 2024
Press Statement.
ZAMBIA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION CONCERNED WITH THE DECLINING STANDARDS OF MEDICAL EDUCATION IN ZAMBIA
Medical education stands as the cornerstone of healthcare systems worldwide, shaping the quality of healthcare professionals and consequently, the well-being of societies. However, concerns about declining standards in medical education have become increasingly prevalent and evident.
The advancement in medical knowledge, technology, increase in the number of training institutions possess a great challenge in maintaining the standards and quality of training. Additionally, commercialization of education, reliance on memorization, faculty shortages, and assessment inconsistencies, failure to integrate new advancements in curricula, leave students ill-prepared to tackle modern healthcare challenges. The commodification of education may have shifted the focus from quality to profitability. Is academic rigor taking a backseat to financial gains, leading to compromised standards? Has commercialization also fostered a culture of academic dishonesty or prioritization of numbers over quality? Has it promoted less strict evaluation standards with instances of ghostwriting, plagiarism, and unethical practices tarnishing the integrity of medical education?
To address some of these emerging concerns, we are convening an Indaba with key stakeholders involved in training to address the evolving gaps in Medical training. The Indaba which will take place on 10th April 2024, in Lusaka will address matters on regulation of training, accreditation, enforcement of standards, transparency in educational practices, entry criteria into Medical schools and many more.
The Association has further noted a shift towards prioritization of passing exams rather than mastering the clinical skills necessary for competent practice. We believe that medical education should emphasize problem-solving, clinical reasoning, and communication skills to produce well-rounded professionals capable of delivering holistic patient care. Another challenge is the shortage of qualified faculty members. Many experienced clinicians are reluctant to transition into teaching roles due to poor conditions of service, heavy clinical workloads, and inadequate support for academic endeavors. As a result, most medical schools are relying on inexperienced faculty members who may lack the necessary expertise to provide quality education. There is also a lack of standardization in assessment methods which undermines the credibility of medical education. Varied evaluation techniques across institutions and countries make it difficult to compare the competency of graduates accurately.
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. 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. In this regard, we have invited Medical schools, regulatory bodies, healthcare institutions, and government departments/ministries to this indaba which will develop the medical education blueprint for Zambia.
The Zambia Medical Association remains committed to ensuring that the Zambian people are only served by the best qualified health personnel.
Dr Kaoma Oliver
SECRETARY GENERAL.
ZAMBIA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION