The Hindi translation of MBBS textbooks by the national government was criticised by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) Doctors Association as a “good intention but bad planning” approach. The announcement follows the Madhya Pradesh government’s announcement of a pilot programme to teach MBBS students in Hindi beginning with the 2022–2023 academic year.
The doctors group stated that medical education requires a push toward the highest level of research and innovation rather than a deep plunge into cultural chauvinism. FAIMA stated that the issue is not one of Hindi versus English, adding that “the key issue here is producing world-class doctors to serve our people while simultaneously ensuring that the service sector is strengthened because doctors from India are serving in other countries and enhancing the prestige of our country.” “Primary among them is the standardisation of medical terminology into Hindi and producing a set of doctors who would always experience certain challenges while mingling with their peers abroad,” it added when explaining the problem with the Hindi translation of MBBS textbooks.
The medical science curriculum is extensive and constantly evolving due to the ongoing, global research at all levels. Hindi and English are not at issue here, nor is there a single cultural residue from colonialism as some have suggested.
Hindi vs English debate
After decades of post-independence dispute between Hindi and English, our policymakers eventually reached a compromise that ensures Hindi will continue to be the official language and English will remain the associate official language. Since India is a country with many different languages and dialects, this was done despite rejecting the idea of a national language. Hindi and English were not seen as being opposed to our vision of a nation, which was how the linguistic issue was resolved, which also showed up in our educational strategy, it added in a statement.
Though the move has been justified with the example of some European countries, India has known the world over for its booming BPO sector which was possible only because of thrust on the English language, the doctors group said. It further opined that English should be viewed as a medium of communication rather than a “colonial relic”. Saying that the move should not be taken in haste without proper standardisation and planning, it said, “harping on Hindi translation as a means of cultural emancipation is a mistake.” FAIMA further said that there is a need to strengthen the quality of the medical education sector especially when the transition from the erstwhile MCI and NMC is still in the works.
“The reckless move to push Hindi as a medium in every sphere will harm the national interest in the long run,” it added.
