CMS-ED(Community Medical Services and Essential Drugs)

CMS & ED stands for Community Medical Services and Essential Drugs, a diploma course focused on providing basic medical care in rural areas where there's a shortage of medical professionals. It's designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to treat common illnesses and provide primary healthcare, including administering essential medicines. 
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
  • Purpose:
    The program aims to address the shortage of medical practitioners in rural areas, particularly those with limited access to healthcare. 
  • Scope:
    CMS & ED graduates can provide primary healthcare services, including the treatment of common ailments, administration of essential drugs, and referral of complex cases to specialized facilities. 
  • Duration:
    The diploma course typically lasts 18 months to 24 months, depending on the institution. 
  • Curriculum:
    The curriculum covers essential topics like human anatomy, basic medical principles, and the use of essential drugs recommended by the World Health Organization. 
  • Eligibility:
    While some courses may require a certain level of education (e.g., 10th standard or higher), others are specifically tailored for medical staff with existing experience in hospitals or nursing homes. 
  • Recognition:
    The Supreme Court of India has recognized CMS & ED diploma holders as eligible to practice primary healthcare in rural areas.