Advances in Medical Education and Practice

Social Accountability in Medical Education

Social accountability in medical education denotes the obligation of medical schools to align their education, research, and service activities with the priority health needs of the communities they serve. This concept, endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1995, highlights the responsibility of medical schools and other health professions institutions to produce healthcare professionals who can be change agents in health systems and are committed to addressing local and regional health challenges. By focusing on social accountability, medical schools aim to ensure relevance, equity, quality and cost-effectiveness in all activities. Social accountability approach fosters a healthcare workforce that is responsive to societal needs, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of the population.