[Obstetrics and gynecology in the undergraduate medical curriculum]

In the present situation where medical curricula are being re-examined by many medical faculties, the importance of obstetrics and gynaecology in the undergraduate curriculum has come under intense scrutiny. Obstetrics and gynaecology form a major part of the general practitioner's work, and should therefore form a major part of his medical training. The subject also stresses par excellence the importance of communication with patients, preventive medicine and special responsibility of the medical practitioner to the community. Every department of obstetrics and gynaecology must examine the contents of the course presented to its students. We must move away from the old mechanistic approach and concentrate on those aspects which are important in a modern society--antenatal and postnatal care, preventive measures, family planning, and sexual and psychological problems of our patients.