GMC Handwara gears up for DNB program, inspection expected soon

Srinagar, Feb 03: To further push medical education, Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara is set to launch Diplomate of National Board (DNB) program this year to enhance specialized medical training and strengthen healthcare services.
The medical college has been working to meet the requirements for accreditation, with an inspection by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) expected soon.
Principal GMC Handwara, Prof. (Dr). Khurshid Ahmad Wani said that they have applied for the DNB program for many eligible branches and all the formalities have been completed.
“Now we are expecting the inspection of assessors to inspect Minimum Standard Requirements to grant accreditation to start the DNB program in eligible branches. Next week, we are expecting an inspection for the Department of Surgery,” he said.
The medical college has proposed over 70 DNB seats and it depends on the assessors how many seats would be accredited after the inspection of requirements.
The medical college officials express confidence that the institution will meet the prescribed standards, paving the way for postgraduate medical education.
“This is a major step towards improving healthcare services in Handwara. The DNB program will not only provide advanced training for doctors but also benefit patients by ensuring specialized care,” Prof. Khurshid said.
The Diplomate of National Board (DNB) program was introduced in Jammu and Kashmir in response to a shortage of specialists and to improve public healthcare. The medical colleges and hospitals have seen a rise in the number of DNB seats.
An official of the health department said DNB implementation in J&K has increased the caseload, case mix and rational improvement in specialist services, especially in difficult and hard-to-reach areas. This has infused research and academic environment in hospitals.
The official said the DNB model has strengthened rural hospitals and helped to limit referrals, improved quality services in districts where there are no medical colleges.
The DNB courses were first initiated in five selected District Hospitals and CHCs and after the success, it was replicated in other District Hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir.
The DNB courses were initiated in 2019-20 given the lack of specialist doctors in rural hospitals to enhance healthcare quality by strengthening these facilities. DNB is equivalent to MD/MS (PG) course and is being awarded by the NBEMS.