District Residency Programme: a SWOC analysis

Abstract

The District Residency Programme (DRP), mandated by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in 2020, aims to bridge gaps in medical education and healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. This initiative requires MD/MS students to undergo a three-month residential rotation in District Hospitals or District Health Systems, exposing them to diverse healthcare settings and involving them in National Health programs. The program seeks to tailor learning to community-specific needs, enhancing skills and fostering empathy in patient care. Despite its strengths in enhancing patient exposure, addressing healthcare shortages, and promoting cultural exchange among doctors, the DRP faces challenges such as inadequate orientation and resource constraints. Opportunities include more focused clinical learning and active participation in community health initiatives and research. Moving forward, improving orientation, bolstering resources and supervision, integrating with parent medical colleges, and ensuring ethical practices are crucial. Extending standardized logbooks to other departments could further enhance training consistency. Periodic reviews and stakeholder engagement are vital for optimizing the DRP’s impact on medical education and healthcare delivery in rural India.