Research in Indian medical institutes.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: The research output of medical institutions in India is thought to vary considerably, although no studies have been done since 1965. We consulted the Corporate Index of the Science Citation Index to count the number of publications included from each of the 128 medical institutions in India between 1981 and 1988. We also compared these results to the number of publications from leading international institutions in 1988. RESULTS: Only 6 (4.7%) institutions had over 50 articles per year included, 33 (26%) had 5 to 50 articles included, 43 (38%) had 1 to 5 articles and 41 (32%) had less than one article included. Seven medical colleges had none. Only the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and the Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh could be compared with the world leaders. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of research from Indian medical colleges is low. To improve it we suggest teaching institutions should forbid their faculty to undertake private practice. research grants should be disbursed more evenly and research achievement should be considered an important criterion for selection and promotion.