Exploring the Future of Hindi-Medium Medical Education and its Challenges

The Introduction of Hindi-Medium Medical Education

On Hindi Diwas (September 14), both the Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh governments announced the introduction of Hindi as a medium of instruction in their medical colleges starting from the 2024-25 academic session. Rajasthan will implement this change in phases, beginning with Sampurnanand Medical College of Jodhpur and Medical College of Barmer under Marwar Medical University. This move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to promote regional languages in education, aiming to help students from rural and tribal backgrounds better understand complex medical subjects. Chhattisgarh's initiative similarly aims to strengthen foundational understanding in its 10 government medical colleges.

Challenges in Regional Language Education

However, a similar initiative in Uttar Pradesh, announced in November 2023, did not fare well among medical professionals. Despite aiming to support students from rural backgrounds proficient in Hindi, the decision drew significant criticism. According to media reports, similar initiatives in Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh also faced flak.

The Viability Question: Hindi vs. English

The introduction of Hindi-medium medical education in Chhattisgarh raises an important question: Will this initiative follow the same path as regional language engineering courses that saw low enrollments, or will it find success among aspiring medical professionals?

Lessons from Engineering Courses

While the intentions behind introducing Hindi-medium medical education seem promising, past experiences with regional language engineering courses offer a cautionary perspective. Several states, including West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka, have discontinued their regional language engineering programmes due to low or zero enrollments. In West Bengal alone, no students enrolled in regional language programmes last year.

• Data from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) shows that of 2,580 seats approved across 35 institutes in 13 states for regional language engineering courses, only 65 percent were filled.
• This failure can be attributed to a perceived stigma surrounding non-English professional education.
• Limited career prospects and industry acceptance further complicate the scenario.

Global Competitiveness and Language

One major concern regarding Hindi-medium medical education is whether students will be able to compete on a global scale. Medical experts argue that while Hindi-medium education might be easier for students in the short term, it could restrict their growth in the long run. Medical students must read and interpret international research papers, which are predominantly published in English. Hindi-medium students may face challenges preparing for higher exams like NEET-PG, where English remains the primary medium.

Government Policy and Support

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages the use of regional languages in education, supporting Chhattisgarh’s move. The policy promotes the idea that learning in one’s native language fosters a better connection between students and teachers, which could lead to a deeper understanding of subjects.

The Future of Hindi-Medium Medical Education

The success of Hindi-medium medical education in Chhattisgarh will depend on several factors. There must be efforts to overcome the stigma attached to non-English education, along with the need for industry acceptance of medical graduates educated in Hindi. Offering education in regional languages is essential for inclusivity, but students must eventually adapt to English for higher studies and professional success. The next few years will reveal whether this initiative can thrive where others have struggled.