THE IMPORTANCE OF CERTIFICATION

In India, Universities conduct a common examination and award medical degrees to the successful candidates. The students complete the requirements by attending various affiliated colleges which follow the guidelines laid down by the University – common syllabus, minimum number of hours of theory and practicals; availability of trained faculty; infrastructure such as labs, libraries etc. The University Grants Commission (UGC) plays an important role. The colleges are also inspected and given a rating by ‘NAAC’. This is true of medicine (the National Medical Commission (NMC) which has replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI) sets the guidelines to be followed by the teaching hospitals), whereas the Indian Nursing Council sets the guidelines for the nursing fraternity.

However, the scenario is different in Perfusion Technology, as there is no autonomous body or council to bring about standardization. The students complete the requirements by attending the courses conducted by any of the affiliated colleges and appear for the exam conducted by the University to which the college is affiliated.

But, the eligibility, syllabus, duration of training and availability of faculty and facilities varies from centre to centre. Some have a mandatory clinical rotation of six months, some – one year, while yet others do not have this requirement. So, even the exposure to actual clinical perfusion and hands on training is not uniform.

Hence the need for a common certification exam, such as the one being conducted by BCP-I. The successful candidates are awarded the title of Certified Cardiovascular Perfusionist – India {C.C.P. (Ind)}. This certificate signifies that the candidate has a minimum level of competency and skills set, irrespective of his/her training and background.

While this is still restricted to theory, ideally there should also be a viva and case presentation. But that will be possible only if the board is recognised by all the cardiac centres and allowed to use their facility to conduct the second part.

Further this cannot be a one-time event, like getting membership to a society or organisation. The Perfusionist has to keep up with the changing scenario in healthcare by keeping abreast of the advances in surgery, anaesthesia and perfusion. So, recertification at regular intervals becomes essential. The CCP Certificate issued by BCP-I is valid for period of five years. Please see the “Re-certification” section for more details.

The govt of India passed an act in 2021 to set up the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions. This commission will cover all the categories which were not covered earlier under the Medical, Nursing, Dental and Pharmacy councils until 2021. Perfusion is one of the categories under this commission. State level commissions are also being constituted.

We Perfusionists are hopeful that soon there will be standardization of Perfusion education, training, certification and registration.
Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion-India is ready to assist the authorities in framing guidelines and protocols.