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Delhi High Court Challenges Removal of Respiratory Medicine from MBBS Curriculum

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 17:56 GMT by Daily
      Locale: N/A, INDIA

New Delhi, February 14th, 2026 - The Delhi High Court is currently pressing the Central Government and the National Medical Commission (NMC) to justify the removal of respiratory medicine as a mandatory subject within the MBBS curriculum. A petition filed earlier this month has sparked a legal battle, arguing that the omission inadequately prepares future doctors to address the growing prevalence of respiratory illnesses in India, and potentially compromises patient care.

The court issued notices to both the Centre and the NMC today, directing them to file detailed responses outlining the rationale behind the curriculum change and how they intend to ensure MBBS graduates are adequately equipped to diagnose and treat respiratory conditions. This directive represents a significant development for the advocates who brought the case forward, signaling the Court's seriousness in addressing their concerns.

A Looming Health Crisis? The Rise of Respiratory Diseases

The petition highlights a stark reality: respiratory diseases are on the rise globally, and India is particularly vulnerable. Factors contributing to this increase include escalating air pollution levels in major cities, a growing aging population susceptible to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the lingering effects of the recent pandemic, which has left many with long-COVID related respiratory complications. Asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and various forms of lung cancer continue to pose significant public health challenges.

Advocates argue that a dedicated, mandatory module on respiratory medicine within the MBBS curriculum is essential for equipping doctors with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage these conditions. Currently, the curriculum offers only limited exposure to pulmonology, often relegated to brief sections within general medicine rotations. This, they contend, is insufficient to provide the in-depth understanding required for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and effective preventative care.

"We are not suggesting respiratory medicine should be the only focus," explained advocate Priya Sharma, lead counsel on the petition. "But to remove it as a core component is shortsighted. MBBS graduates are often the first point of contact for patients, especially in primary healthcare settings. They need a solid foundation in recognizing and addressing respiratory distress, even before a specialist is consulted."

NMC's Restructuring & Concerns Over Specialization

The NMC has been actively restructuring the MBBS curriculum since its establishment, aiming to modernize medical education and align it with international standards. A key element of this restructuring involves a greater emphasis on early specialization, with students encouraged to choose their preferred fields of study earlier in their medical training. Critics, however, argue that this push towards specialization is coming at the expense of a broad-based general medical education, potentially creating a shortage of physicians proficient in basic diagnostic and treatment skills across various disciplines.

Dr. Arun Patel, a senior pulmonologist and advisor to the petitioning advocates, believes the NMC's restructuring has inadvertently downplayed the importance of general medicine, including respiratory care. "The focus on specialization is understandable, but not if it means sacrificing the fundamentals," he stated. "A strong foundation in general medicine is crucial for all doctors, regardless of their chosen specialty. Respiratory diseases are common across all specialties - a cardiologist needs to understand the impact of lung disease on the heart, a surgeon needs to assess a patient's respiratory function before surgery, and so on."

The petition further points to a lack of dedicated pulmonology departments and specialists in many district hospitals across India, particularly in rural areas. This places a greater burden on general practitioners to manage respiratory illnesses. If MBBS graduates lack adequate training in this area, the consequences could be severe, leading to delayed diagnoses, inappropriate treatment, and increased morbidity and mortality.

What's Next? The Centre and the NMC are expected to submit their responses within the next four weeks. Legal experts predict the court will carefully scrutinize the NMC's rationale for the curriculum change and assess whether it adequately addresses the growing burden of respiratory diseases. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for medical education in India, potentially leading to a revision of the MBBS curriculum and a renewed emphasis on respiratory medicine. The High Court's decision is eagerly awaited by medical professionals, patient advocacy groups, and future doctors alike, all hoping for a healthcare system better prepared to breathe easy.