MBBS Abroad Admission: Experts Warn Students Against Misleading Claims by Consultants

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has given different responses to questions about the eligibility of foreign medical graduates seeking to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) in India. The answers given have led to apprehensions among the students who wish to join MBBS programmes abroad.

The problem is about the eligibility criterion which states that the foreign medical graduate should possess an independent license to practice medicine in the country from which he/she has received the degree in order to sit for the FMGE in India.

Some legal experts have expressed their concerns regarding the vague answers given and have said that these may help some education consultants in making false claims about foreign MBBS programs.

NMC Responses on MBBS Degree From Georgia

Two medical students who are hopeful of becoming doctors approached the PM Grievance Portal seeking clarification about their eligibility for writing the FMGE examination if they complete their six-year MBBS course from Georgia.

In its first reply dated 24 September, the NMC cited the National Medical Commission (Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate) Regulations, 2021. The NMC informed that a foreign degree in medicine will qualify the candidate to write the FMGE examination if the country issuing the degree allows the graduate to practice independently after completion of the course.

Another reply dated 13 October informed that the provisions concerning independent licensing of graduates have been under consideration by the competent authority and expert committee.

After submitting the third question seeking which of the two replies is correct, it has been reported that the NMC reiterated the provisions of 2021 regulations.

Why the NMC Clarification Matters for MBBS Abroad Students

The condition of an independent license is important for Indian students intending to pursue their medical education in other countries. It is essential for students to know whether the process of medical education and licensure in the other country they choose to pursue their studies meets the criteria for foreign medical graduates in India.

According to legal authorities, there is a risk that the second response of the NMC might be taken by some consultants in the field of education to remove or alter the condition of an independent license.

A Delhi High Court lawyer specialized in medical law cases, Sachin Jain, suggested that commission-receiving education consultants could misguide the students into choosing courses which may have some question regarding their eligibility for the FMGE.

He warned that students may face severe consequences in the future due to these issues.

What Does Georgia's Medical Licensing System Say?

National Centre for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) in Georgia has released some details regarding the situation of graduates of medicine in the country.

As per the details released in the source cited above, the graduates of the MD programme can work as junior doctors without having to sit for further tests. However, they have to work under the guidance and supervision of a doctor who is licensed to practice medicine independently.

This aspect has emerged as a critical point of debate in the issue of FMGE eligibility.

Experts on law have raised questions over whether the junior doctors' situation is the same as the independent license to practise medicine needed under NMC norms.

Ajay Kumar Singh, Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court, said that there was confusion created by the information of NCEQE since junior doctors cannot practice independently under the above arrangement.

What Students Planning MBBS Abroad Should Check

Students should not base their choice of an MBBS programme only on what is mentioned by the education consultants or foreign universities. They should first of all check the following before enrolling into the programme:

• Whether the medical degree fulfills the requirements of the NMC.
• Whether the graduates get the license to practice medicine independently in that country.
• Whether the licensing requirement fulfills the criteria of taking the FMGE.
• Whether the programme and university fulfill the criteria of the foreign medical graduate regulations.
• Whether the facts have been verified by the concerned regulatory authorities in India.
• The students should retain copies of official letters and documents regarding the above issues.

Experts Seek Clear List of Eligible Foreign Medical Institutions

The legal authorities have strongly recommended to Union Health Ministry and NMC that an official list of countries and foreign medical schools be provided that conform to the eligibility criteria set for foreign MBBS graduates.

This would ensure that the students and their parents can take informed decisions prior to investing heavily in studying medicine in foreign countries.

Before there is an official clarification, the students should avoid any assumptions that they would be eligible for taking up the FMGE after completion of studies from foreign countries.

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