The book “Community Medicine – Prep Manual for Undergraduates” by Dr. Rajvir Bhalwar is an updated and revised version of its first edition published in 2015. This concise book is targeted chiefly at the medical undergraduate students and to some extent also acts as a ready reckoner for the postgraduate (PG) students of Community Medicine (CM) and other allied subjects. The book is neatly organized into 30 chapters with topics arranged in a logical and meaningful sequence. The chapters are presented in a simple, lucid, and easily understandable text with several probable examination questions, which include long questions, short notes taken from different universities of the country, and many others to comprehensively cover the chapters. Multiple choice questions (MCQs) and viva voce questions have been included and duly answered. In addition, many practical problems are provided along with solutions in the epidemiology and biostatistics chapters for practical examination. Concepts are explained in a concise and clear manner.
Chapter 30, one of the new additions to the book, includes quick revision of important definitions, common ultrashort questions, important data, and indicators. This unique and commendable feature shall help students browse through the entire syllabus very quickly during examination time. The book also has a separate online component, accessible through code provided with the book, whereby the students can access extra 500 MCQs and memory tips for model answers to long and short questions. This too is a new concept and expected to be fruitful to the students. Authors have included updated data from NFHS 4, National Health Policy 2018, and National Health Profile 2017. All the recent changes and strategies of health programs have also been included in a concise manner.
I strongly recommend this book for MBBS students, PG aspirants, and PGs of CM and allied subjects. It will provide conceptual clarity, up to date information and knowledge, thereby empowering the students to successfully face the examinations. I compliment the authors for bringing out this much-awaited update.