Morning brief podcast: A Not So NEET Escape Route for Medical Aspirants
A Not So NEET Escape Route for Medical Aspirants
Neil Ghai | 23:59 Min | May 08, 2025, 2:32 PM IST
LISTEN
23:59
LISTENING...
As trust in domestic examinations falters, interest in studying medicine abroad is gaining momentum. In the wake of NEET-UG 2024's credibility crisis marked by paper leak allegations, grace marks controversies, and a perplexing spike in perfect scores many Indian medical aspirants are rethinking their future. In this episode of The Morning Brief, host Neil Ghai speaks with Akshay Chaturvedi, CEO of Leverage Edu, and Ankur Bharti, Executive Director at Grant Thornton Bharat, to unpack this shifting dynamic. From Russia and Ukraine's aggressive recruitment drives to the Supreme Court's insistence on NEET qualification for even overseas MBBS seats, we explore the ripple effects on young dreamers caught in the crossfire. The discussion spans digital platforms influencing student decisions, the appeal of shorter and cost-effective specialization paths, and the emotional toll of navigating a shaken admissions system. Is this growing exodus a practical pivot or a desperate detour? And can war-torn or economically strained nations truly offer safe academic havens? Stay tuned as we trace the contours of a new medical migration and ask When the road to a white coat at home narrows, where do India's future doctors turn next?
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
20 minutes ago
- Business Standard
UK-India FTA to boost medical device trade amid country of origin concerns
Bilateral trade in pharmaceuticals and medical devices is set to receive a boost post the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), according to industry veterans. India's imports of medical devices from the UK grew by 36 percent to Rs 2,295 crore in FY24, while exports to the UK increased by 13 percent to Rs 1,015 crore. Rajiv Nath, Chairman and MD of Hindustan Syringes and Medical Devices (HMD)—one of the top three disposable syringe makers in the world—and the forum coordinator of the medical devices industry body Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD), believes that bilateral trade will rise on both sides post the FTA. "Our top exports to the UK were contact lenses, diagnostic reagents, surgical instruments, and PPE kits, while our major imports were oxygen therapy equipment like ventilators, X-ray equipment, diagnostic testing reagents, and IVD analysis instruments. Mostly, small and mid-sized manufacturers export through distributors in niche markets," Nath said. 'Previously, medical devices imported into the UK were duty-free, so tariff restrictions were not an issue, but regulatory approval costs and time were a challenge. We sought recognition of Indian CDSCO regulatory approval or QCI's voluntary Indian certification for medical devices to fast-track regulatory approval by the UK MHRA and address non-tariff barriers faced by Indian exporters, and we look forward to an update on this,' Nath added. Regarding imports into India, AiMeD has emphasized the need for strict monitoring and verification of Rules of Origin to prevent misuse of the FTA through the potential routing of third-country products as purportedly UK-made goods. 'We welcome UK-made medical products into India via this FTA,' he added. Import duties levied by India were mostly at 7.5 percent, which, post-FTA, are expected to come down in a phased manner. The industry is, however, awaiting the fine print. As part of this agreement, import duties on MedTech products will be reduced from approximately 15 percent to around 3 percent, significantly lowering costs and improving access to advanced medical technologies, said Pavan Choudary, Chairman of the Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI). For pharmaceutical exports, the UK is already an important and growing market. Companies like Torrent Pharmaceuticals, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, and Aurobindo have a presence in the UK. 'With India's pharmaceutical exports to the UK reaching $914 million in FY24, the agreement strengthens supply chains, enhances access to affordable medicines, and drives Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). This partnership paves the way for collaborations in bulk drug imports, CDMO, and joint research, empowering India's competitive edge and promoting global partnerships,' said Namit Joshi, Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Exports Promotion Council. Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, noted that the pharma sector will have opportunities to supply affordable and quality-assured medicine, contributing to better patient care in the UK. 'We are awaiting further details to identify specific areas where these opportunities can be effectively leveraged,' Jain said.


The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Students and Parents' body in Puducherry demands more exam centres for NEET PG scheduled for August 3
The Pondicherry State Student and Parents' Welfare Association has urged the Union Health Ministry to designate more regional examination centres for the Postgraduate Medicine MD/MS NEET 2025-26 scheduled for August 3. In a memorandum to Abhijat Sheth, President of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, V. Bala Balasubramanian, Association president, pointed out that as per a Supreme Court directive, the NBEMS had scheduled the examination in a single shift at various centres across States. In this regard, the memorandum stated that there were very few centres for PG Medicine MD/MS NEET 2025-26 in the Union Territory of Puducherry which has a complement of about 465 seats. These seats were spread across institutions, including three private medical colleges, four deemed universities and one government medical college. In the Union Territory, more than 2,000 students have registered for the PG examination while only four centres were available — one each in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. As a result, many students have been allotted examination centres in other States, some centres located more than 1,000 km away from their hometown. The memorandum urged the authorities to facilitate additional examination centres in and around the Union Territory to enable the candidates to attend the examination in or at least nearer to their respective hometowns. In Tamil Nadu too, there were about 2,765 medical seats in government, private and deemed universities for which around 20,000 doctors have registered to write the NEET PG Medical Examination 2025-26. Even though there were 24 examination centres in Tamil Nadu, about 5,000 students have been allotted centres in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and a few other States. The Association urged the NBE to favourably consider the plea by increasing examination centres for the PG Medicine entrance examination in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry so that doctors from the region can take the exams in locations relatively closer to their hometowns. This would greatly help alleviate mental distress and inconvenience for the doctors aspiring for the PG examination, the Association said.


Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
From spice to soul: The story of Indian curry
Ever wondered why a simple bowl of curry evokes such comfort and nostalgia across Indian households? Whether it is on the dinner table at home or ordered from a beloved takeaway, curry remains one of the most loved dishes, not just in India, but globally. But what exactly gives this humble preparation such staying power? Chickpea curry(Unsplash) Despite its global recognition, curry is inherently Indian at its core. From the coconut-based gravies of Kerala to the mustard-heavy jhols of Bengal or the robust rajma of North India, each curry has a unique identity shaped by history, climate, and culture. At the heart of this diversity lies ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of wellness that shaped how Indians have cooked for centuries. Curries are a masterclass in ayurvedic balance: Sourness from tamarind or raw mango, sweetness from jaggery or ripe fruit, bitterness from fenugreek or asafoetida, and a burst of pungent and salty notes all come together perfectly to create a masterpiece. These dishes are designed to aid digestion, stabilise energy, and support mental clarity. In the Ayurvedic worldview, food is medicine. Curry just happens to be the most delicious dose. While the term 'curry' likely has colonial roots, introduced by Portuguese or British colonists who were trying to label the complex, spiced gravies they encountered, it is the Indian kitchen where this dish found its soul. No matter the region, curries represent comfort, resourcefulness, and the joy of shared meals. Each one tells a story through its ingredients, techniques, and intent, a story that long predates the name it's now known by. While spices do bring in flavour, they are so much more than that. Spices deliver aroma, colour, and even functional benefits. From a food science perspective, spices influence the organoleptic properties of a dish: how it tastes, smells, looks, and feels, and interacts chemically with other components to create a cohesive structure. Ingredients like ground nuts, coconut milk, and yogurt add creaminess and act as natural emulsifiers. They are cultural and nutritional optimizations handed down through generations. Many spices used in curry, such as turmeric, cumin, and black pepper, have also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Their medicinal value was recognised in Indian households long before scientific studies validated it. To truly appreciate curry, we must look beyond its surface and understand its layered complexity. At its core, curry holds deep cultural relevance, with each regional variation serving as an expression of local identity, ingredients, and customs. Its flavour is carefully constructed, with every spice and base contributing to a symphony of tastes that create a harmonious dish. Nutritionally, curries provide bioactive compounds, essential nutrients, and wholesome calories. Finally, the culinary technique involved, from roasting and grinding to tempering and slow cooking, adds texture, aroma, and depth, elevating curry from a simple preparation to an artisanal craft. This structure helps explain why curries are a masterpiece in themselves. What appears as a spontaneous blend of ingredients is often a calculated act, with attention to proportions, sequencing, and heat. The same spice may be used differently. It can be whole, ground, roasted, or fried depending on the desired effect. Curry-making is, in many ways, chemistry with soul. Homemade curries, prepared with care and moderation, can be deeply nourishing. But when adapted for speed or scale, think restaurant fare or packaged gravies, they can veer into unhealthy territory. Too much fat, salt, or cream can undo their natural balance. Here are a few tweaks to make curries lighter and better: Swap out trans fats, which are industrially produced fats found in some margarines, packaged snacks, and fried foods. They raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. Instead, use heart-friendly oils like mustard oil, rice bran oil, or blended vegetable oils. Use distinct flavour enhancers such as lemon juice for acidity, fresh herbs like coriander or mint for brightness, and spices like cumin or black pepper for complexity. Add a small amount of monosodium glutamate (MSG) to enhance savoury depth. Despite misconceptions, MSG is recognised as safe by food safety authorities globally including Food Standards Australia New Zealand, European Commission, WHO, FAO, the US FDA and FSSAI . It also contains just 70% the amount of sodium, compared to salt and has the ability to amplify umami flavour. This helps in reducing salt usage without compromising taste, which is especially important in lower-sodium diets. Use natural emulsifiers and thickeners such as lentil flour, arrowroot, cashews, melon seeds, or ground legumes to add creaminess and structure along with nutritional benefits. These changes retain the richness of flavour while aligning better with modern health standards. Low-fat yoghurt or plant-based cream alternatives can help maintain the creamy texture without compromising heart health. Cooking techniques such as steaming or pressure-cooking help preserve nutrients. As we rethink food with wellness, sustainability, and cultural pride in mind, the curry emerges as a symbol of all three. It is adaptable, rooted, and meaningful. In a world of fast-evolving diets, the curry keeps holding its own. It speaks of both tradition and transformation. It invites experimentation while offering a sense of home. Whether you are exploring a plant-based lifestyle, rethinking your spice rack, or simply aiming to eat more mindfully, curry offers endless, delicious possibilities. And that is something worth savouring. This article is authored by Jamuna Prakash, food consultant and former professor, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Mysore.