Healthcare leaders, policymakers, and academicians from across India highlighted the growing importance of competency-based medical education during the second day of SimuVerse 2026, a national conference on simulation-based medical education organised by Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), Faridkot. The discussions focused on strengthening clinical skills, improving patient safety, and preparing future healthcare professionals through practical training.
Simulation Training Takes Centre Stage
Speaking at the event, BFUHS Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rajeev Sood said the conference offers doctors, postgraduate students, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals hands-on training using advanced simulation technology before they treat real patients. He added that the university aims to make simulation-based learning a core part of medical education to build confident and competent healthcare professionals.
Quality Must Match Expansion
National Medical Commission (NMC) Chairman Dr. Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth stressed that while India continues to increase medical seats, maintaining educational quality remains equally important. He noted that the NMC is working to integrate structured simulation training, competency assessment, and certification into undergraduate medical education. He also explained that digital learning, simulation, and artificial intelligence will complement—not replace—traditional clinical teaching.
As reported by Times of India, India’s healthcare education ecosystem is steadily moving toward technology-driven and skill-based learning to meet the evolving demands of patient care.
Technology and Ethics Go Hand in Hand
Indian Medical Association (IMA) National President Dr. Anil Kumar J. Nayak said medical education must evolve alongside technological advancements. However, he emphasized that doctors should develop knowledge, practical skills, and compassion together. He also encouraged healthcare professionals to maintain their physical and mental well-being while serving society with dedication and ethical values.
Meanwhile, Dr. Yagna Umesh Shukla, Chairman of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), explained that simulation technology allows healthcare professionals to practise complex procedures in a safe environment before treating patients. According to him, competency-based curricula will improve the quality and standardisation of healthcare education across the country.
Collaboration to Strengthen Medical Education
Dr. Neelam Mohan, President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), described investments in quality medical education and child healthcare as investments in the nation’s future. She advocated competency-based training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous professional development.
The conference also witnessed the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between BFUHS and the IAP, the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), and a tripartite agreement with Laerdal Medical India and Addison Educational Services. These partnerships aim to expand simulation-based learning, enhance academic excellence, and strengthen skill development through collaborative initiatives.
The event concluded with scientific lectures, panel discussions, live demonstrations, and hands-on simulation workshops led by experts from leading medical institutions across India.