MBBS Exam Ethics Question Sparks Heated Controversy
Summary: A Tamil Nadu MBBS exam question on whether doctors can accept gifts from pharma companies has gone viral, drawing mixed reactions. Some argue it promotes ethical discussions, while others say it doesn’t belong in a written test. The debate highlights a bigger issue: should ethics be part of MBBS exams? The AETCOM module aims to prepare doctors for real-world challenges, but opinions remain divided.
MBBS Exam Question Triggers Ethical Firestorm
Should doctors accept gifts from pharmaceutical companies? A Tamil Nadu MBBS exam posed this question, setting off a social media storm. While some applaud its relevance, others argue it doesn’t belong in a written test. Let’s dive into the controversy.
The Question That Got Everyone Talking
During a recent Third Professional Part II General Surgery exam, students were asked:
“Are doctors allowed to accept gifts from the pharmaceutical industry? Explain your answer.”
Posted on social media platform X on March 26, 2025, the question quickly went viral, racking up 34,000 views. The response? A mix of praise and criticism, some hailed it as an important ethical discussion, while others questioned its appropriateness in a medical test.
Ethics Discussion or Just Easy Marks?
The internet is split. Some believe ethical dilemmas should be tackled in case discussions, not written exams. Others argue students could easily score marks with vague, subjective responses that don’t assess their medical expertise.
Medical ethics is just as crucial as clinical knowledge. A doctor’s decisions impact lives, and ethical dilemmas are inevitable in practice. Including such questions in MBBS exams helps future doctors develop a strong moral foundation. Medicine isn’t just about treating diseases.. It’s about responsible patient care.
Why Ethics in Medicine is important?
Despite criticism, many support the inclusion of ethics in medical exams. One user argued, “Ethics should be a part of every medical test.” Others stressed that the AETCOM (Attitude, Ethics, and Communication) module plays a vital role in shaping responsible doctors.
The debate also reflects real-world concerns. In 2020, a top pharmaceutical company in India was fined ₹500 crore ($60 million) for offering unethical payments to doctors to push their drugs.
Ethics in medicine isn’t optional. It’s fundamental. Every doctor will face moral dilemmas in their career, and early exposure to ethical reasoning helps shape responsible medical professionals. Clinical knowledge alone isn’t enough if a doctor lacks integrity..
What’s the AETCOM Module?
The Attitude, Ethics, and Communication (AETCOM) module is designed to teach medical students
- Professionalism
- Communication skills
- Ethical decision-making
By confronting real-world ethical dilemmas, future doctors can be better prepared for challenges in their careers.
Should MBBS Students Be Tested on Ethics?
This controversy raises a bigger question, should medical ethics be part of MBBS exams? Critics argue that ethical issues should be evaluated through interviews or practical case studies rather than written tests. Supporters, however, insist that formal exams must include ethics to build a strong ethical foundation for future doctors.
An MBBS exam isn’t just about diagnosing diseases. It’s about preparing future doctors for real-world challenges. Ethical awareness is as vital as medical knowledge, and testing it ensures doctors are ready for complex patient interactions.
The Debate Rages On
While opinions remain divided, one thing is clear, this question has sparked discussions well beyond the classroom. It highlights doctors’ ethical challenges and the importance of preparing them for real-life decisions. What’s your take? Should ethics be a part of MBBS exams?
Medical exams should focus on assessing clinical knowledge and practical skills. While ethics is important, it shouldn't replace subject-specific questions that evaluate a student's ability to diagnose and treat patients. The priority should be ensuring that future doctors are competent in medicine first.
Inputs from various media sources
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
