Education news
MBBS Abroad: Confusion Grows Over NMC Rules and FMGE Eligibility for Georgia Graduates
· Source: Amar Ujala
Different replies from the National Medical Commission regarding FMGE eligibility for medical graduates from Georgia have created uncertainty among Indian students. The issue centers on mandatory requirements under the 2021 regulations to obtain an independent practice license in the country of study.
NMC's Conflicting Responses to Students
Two medical students sought clarification through the Prime Minister's grievance portal on whether they would be eligible to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) after completing a six-year MBBS course in Georgia. The National Medical Commission (NMC) gave varying responses:
| Date of NMC Reply | Details of NMC's Response |
|---|---|
| 24 September | Stated that according to 2021 regulations, a foreign medical degree is valid only if the student gets a license to practice independently in Georgia after completing MBBS. |
| 13 October | Stated that the rules regarding an independent practice license are being examined by a competent authority and an expert committee. |
Third Query and Current Rules
When students raised a query on the Prime Minister's grievance portal a third time asking which of the two earlier answers was correct, the NMC referred back to the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021. Legal experts point out that the NMC cannot scrap this rule on its own because the regulations were framed by Parliament and require a change in law by the government.
The Issue with Georgia Medical Degrees
The National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) of Georgia claims that Georgia fulfills all NMC conditions for foreign medical students. However, its own document indicates differences regarding the right to practice:
- Students earning a Medical Doctor degree can work as junior doctors without giving an additional exam.
- Graduates cannot practice medicine independently; they must work under the supervision and responsibility of a fully licensed doctor.
- According to legal experts, working under supervision as a junior doctor does not meet the NMC condition requiring an independent practice license from the country of study.
Demand for Official List of Valid Countries
Legal experts have urged the Union Health Ministry and the NMC to publish an official list of countries and foreign medical universities whose graduates meet the eligibility criteria for the FMGE in India. Experts emphasize that until clear official guidelines are released, students should verify the NMC conditions and destination country's licensing rules rather than relying on claims made by education consultants.
Questions
What is the NMC rule regarding independent practice for foreign MBBS graduates?
Under the 2021 regulations, a foreign medical degree is valid in India only if the student receives an independent license to practice medicine in the country where the MBBS was completed.
Can MBBS graduates practice independently in Georgia right after their degree?
According to NCEQE documents, graduates can work as junior doctors without an extra exam, but they cannot practice independently and must work under the supervision of a licensed doctor.
What have legal experts requested from the NMC and the Health Ministry?
Experts have demanded that the NMC and the Union Health Ministry publicly release a list of countries and foreign universities whose graduates satisfy the eligibility rules for the FMGE.
Written in English by Disha Stars from the Amar Ujala report (read the original in Hindi). Check dates and links on the official website before you act.
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