Latest news with #FMGE
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Jagan condemns police action on Foreign Medical Graduates, extends support to protesting students
Former Chief Minister and YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy voiced serious concern over the growing distress among medical graduates who studied abroad and are now being denied Permanent Registration (PR) by the State government. A delegation of affected students, accompanied by leaders from the YSRCP Student Wing, met Jagan at the party's central office in Tadepalli on Wednesday (July 2). The students explained that despite fulfilling all requirements — completing their medical education abroad, clearing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), and completing internships in accordance with NMC guidelines — the government is withholding their PR numbers. Some students also alleged being compelled to work beyond the mandatory internship period without pay. On the occasion, Mr. Jagan condemned the alleged police lathi-charge on protesting students that took place last night and extended his unwavering support to their cause. He described the government's stance as 'harassment' not just of the students, but of their families as well. Mr. Jagan criticised the incumbent government's handling of the medical education sector, recalling that during his tenure, the YSRCP government had established 17 new government medical colleges to expand opportunities for aspiring doctors, with five already operational. 'This government has not only halted the remaining colleges but has even returned the medical seats allocated by the Centre,' he said. Reassuring the students, Mr. Jagan stated: 'We will stand by you until justice is done. Your future cannot be jeopardised by an indifferent administration.' YSRCP Student Wing leaders Panuganti Chaitanya, A. Ravichandra, and several young doctors were also present at the meeting.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Upgrade your skills
I am 26 and have completed and and am preparing for the UPSC. I've always been a meritorious student but am struggling to find a job. My parents insist I do an MBA. Please guide me. Name withheld While you are feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed right now, remember you have a solid academic background. Allow yourself time to process your emotions without judgment. Consider consulting a career counsellor who can help you identify your core strengths and interests and offer objective advice and help you make an informed decision. Reassess your career aspirations and goals. Are you still passionate about public service? If yes, consider alternative paths within the government sector. If not, explore other career options such as teaching or research, content creation/writing, or the state-level civil services, which are less competitive. Regarding the MBA, have an honest conversation with your parents and explain that an MBA might not be the right fit for your interests or career goals. Identify any skill gaps and take steps to address them by taking online courses, workshops, or volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience. Develop transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Above all, take care of your mental health. My sister is a first-year MBBS student in Tajikistan and wishes to retake the NEET. Can she do so while currently enrolled in an MBBS programme abroad? If she qualifies, will this score be valid to do a PG course or practise medicine in India after completing MBBS? Also, can she take the exam in a GCC country? Deva Dear Deva, She can retake the NEET while enrolled in an MBBS course abroad as long as she fulfils the eligibility criteria. She will need to manage her time effectively and balance her MBBS studies with NEET preparation. NEET-UG is for admission to the MBBS course in India. NEET-PG is for MD/MS in India. To be eligible for NEET-PG, she will need to have an MBBS degree recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India. An MBBS degree from a foreign university needs to be validated by the NMC through the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the National Exit Test (NEXT) (which will replace FMGE). Passing the FMGE/NEXT is mandatory for foreign medical graduates. To practise medicine in India, she needs to have an MBBS degree recognised by the NMC and be registered with the State Medical Council. In recent years, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has established exam centres, especially in the Gulf countries, due to the large number of Indian students residing there and wanting to apply for the NEET exam. However, refer to the official NTA website for the most current information regarding the NEET exams and schedule. To take the exam in a GCC country, she needs to ensure that the NTA conducts the exam in that specific country and that she meets the requirements of the exam centre selection and application procedures. I am doing B.A. (History, Political Science and Public Administration) and also attending UPSC coaching classes. Is it all right to attempt the government exams with just a B.A.? Or should I do an M.A. first? Darshita Dear Darshita, Your B.A. combination of History, Political Science, and Public Administration provides a strong foundation to attempt the UPSC and other government exams. In addition to the UPSC, explore other government exams that align with your interests and qualifications. If you have an interest in research or academia, an M.A. and potentially a Ph.D. would be necessary. An M.A. would provide a deeper, enhanced knowledge and specialisation in your chosen subjects, which would be beneficial for the optional papers in the UPSC exam or for specialised government roles. Identify your areas of strength and weakness in the syllabus and work on improving the weak areas. Prioritise your UPSC coaching and exam preparation, practise answering the papers and take mock tests regularly. I am doing an M.A. in Environmental Studies. I don't have any tech skills and am not familiar with coding. I am giving the Civil Services Exam, but am worried about what to do if I do not clear it. Sandeep Dear Sandeep, Your Master's equips you with knowledge of environmental issues, policy, and sustainability and will have developed research, analytical, and communication skills, that are transferable to many fields. Focus on your strengths. Other career options include working with NGOs or non-profits in the environment sector, roles in the government apart from the UPSC in policy implementation, environmental monitoring, or public awareness campaigns, education and communication, sustainability and CSR, research and academia, environmental writing and so on. Consider upgrading your skillset in areas such as Geographic Information Systems, Data Analysis, Project Management and so on.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Telangana battles rising kidney failures, deaths amid surge in quack clinics
In emergency departments of government hospitals across Telangana, doctors are witnessing a troubling rise in kidney failure cases among patients who first sought care at informal clinics. 'When we probe their medical history, many recall being prescribed a cocktail of medicines by a so-called rural doctor. Upon verification, we often find that the clinic was operated by an unqualified practitioner or a quack,' doctors said. The proliferation of unqualified medical practitioners, or quacks, is not confined to rural Telangana. It is now a deep-rooted, state-wide public health crisis affecting both urban and rural populations, according to senior health officials and professional medical bodies. Despite recent efforts to clamp down on illegal medical practice, the challenge remains systemic and urgent. Crackdown in motion, but problem deep-rooted Nearly a year into a statewide crackdown on unauthorised medical practice, Srinivas Gundagani, vice chairman of the Telangana Medical Council (TGMC), shared that the Council has so far filed over 450 FIRs across the state, with around 140 cases currently in court. 'What we are seeing is not just illegal practice but life-threatening mismanagement by unqualified individuals. During one of our raids in Sangareddy district, we found a 10th-fail woman performing abortions. In another case, a woman with no medical background was managing an emergency room, prescribing IV antibiotics, and giving medication to pregnant women,' he added. TGMC categorises quacks into three broad groups: Completely unqualified individuals, some barely educated, who run clinics and treat everything from fevers to hypertension, even performing abortions and minor surgeries. AYUSH practitioners (BAMS, BHMS, Unani) illegally practise allopathy — managing ICUs, performing deliveries, administering IV drugs, and prescribing steroids, often without oversight from any MBBS-qualified doctors. Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) who have not cleared the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) but practice under the guise of being doctors by borrowing the credentials or prescription pads of others Antibiotic misuse, kidney failure, and deaths Medical experts are raising alarm bells about the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and steroids by these untrained practitioners, a practice that is fuelling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which could pose a bigger global health threat than COVID-19 by 2050. 'These people do not understand diagnosis or proper dosage. The misuse is causing irreversible damage, kidney failure, cataracts, and even deaths,' Dr. Srinivas said, citing the case of a gym trainer in Hyderabad who was misdiagnosed by a quack and later died from a cardiac episode after being sent home without even an ECG. Another disturbing case involved a botched piles surgery by a quack that had to be corrected by a qualified surgeon at ESI Hospital in Hyderabad Weak enforcement and legal loopholes Though TGMC has been proactive in identifying violators and filing FIRs, it lacks enforcement authority. 'Once we file an FIR, we forward it to the District Medical and Health Officers (DMHOs) to take further action. Some respond, but most do not' Dr. Srinivas said. He pointed out that DMHOs are empowered under the Telangana Medical Practitioners Act to seal clinics and prosecute offenders but often fail to act, allowing quack-run facilities to reopen within days. A 2021 dossier by the National Health Systems Resource Centre highlights significant gaps in Telangana's public healthcare infrastructure. Rural areas face a 12.4% shortfall in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and a 53.04% shortfall in Community Health Centres (CHCs). The situation is even more severe in urban regions, where PHC shortfall stands at 27.41%. Tribal areas are the worst affected, with a 44.12% shortfall in CHCs and a 46.38% shortfall in PHCs, leaving these already vulnerable communities critically underserved. Dr Srinivas dismissed the argument that quacks are necessary in rural areas due to a shortage of doctors. 'Telangana produces nearly 10,000 MBBS graduates annually. What we lack is not doctors, it's infrastructure, regulation, and political will,' he said. IMA Telangana raises red flag Echoing TGMC's concerns, Dwarakanath Reddy, president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Telangana chapter, described the situation as 'a slow-burning epidemic'. He criticised past government efforts to informally legitimise quacks in rural areas through pseudo-certification, calling them illegal and dangerous. 'No certification can be given to an unqualified person, that's the law. What we are seeing is a result of casual employment in hospitals, where support staff gain minimal experience and then open unauthorised clinics,' he said. Dr. Reddy warned of the severe public health consequences of what he termed the 'shotgun approach' of prescribing, a method in which quacks give broad-spectrum antibiotics and steroids for every complaint, leading to temporary relief but long-term harm. 'This is one of the biggest contributors to AMR,' he said. He urged the government to create enabling conditions for MBBS graduates to serve in rural areas. 'If you want young doctors to set up practice in remote districts, you need to provide subsidies, housing, and supportive systems, not allow untrained individuals to fill the gap.' Quackery is not a professional rivalry issue, it is a life-and-death matter Both TGMC and IMA leaders stressed that the anti-quackery drive is not about professional rivalry, but about preventable deaths and long-term health consequences due to misdiagnosis and irrational drug use. 'This is about saving lives. We have seen patients lose kidneys, go blind from steroid overuse, or die after botched procedures in unhygienic settings. Quackery is a threat to life, not just legality,' Dr. Srinivas said.
Indian Express
22-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Why so many Indian students — especially from Kashmir — go to Iran for higher education
The ongoing Iran–Israel conflict, and the Indian government's efforts to evacuate its citizens — especially medical students — from the region, has once again thrown the spotlight on a recurring question: Why do so many Indian students go abroad to study medicine? According to the MEA's estimated data of Indian students studying abroad, in 2022, about 2,050 students were enrolled in Iran, mostly for medical studies, at institutions like the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University and Islamic Azad University. A significant number of the students are from Kashmir. This is not the first time a geopolitical crisis has exposed the scale of India's outbound medical education. In 2022, during the Russia – Ukraine war, the Indian government had to evacuate thousands of medical students under 'Operation Ganga'. Now, as tensions escalate in West Asia, the spotlight returns to the systemic, economic, and cultural factors that continue to drive Indian students to pursue medical degrees overseas. A growing trend Despite a significant rise in the number of medical seats in India—from around 51,000 MBBS seats in 2014 to 1.18 lakh in 2024 —tens of thousands of students continue to pursue medical education abroad. The trend is visible in the rising number of candidates appearing for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), which is mandatory for practicing medicine in India after studying abroad. About 79,000 students appeared for the FMGE in 2024, up from 61,616 in 2023 and just over 52,000 in 2022. This outward movement is driven by two main factors: competitiveness and cost. 'While the number of MBBS seats have increased in the country, the field continues to remain competitive. Students have to get a very good rank to get into government colleges,' said Dr Pawanindra Lal, former executive director of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, which conducts the FMGE. More than 22.7 lakh candidates appeared for NEET-UG in 2024 for just over 1 lakh MBBS seats. Only around half of these seats are in government colleges. The rest are in private institutions, where costs can soar. 'A candidate ranked 50,000 can get admission in a good private college but the fees can run into crores. How many people in the country can afford that? It is just simple economics that pushes students towards pursuing medical education in other countries. They can get the degree at one-tenth the cost in some of the countries,' said Dr Lal. Why Iran — And why so many Kashmiris? While affordability draws many Indian students abroad, Iran holds a unique appeal for those from the Kashmir Valley. For them, the choice is shaped not just by economics, but also by cultural and historical ties. 'Kashmir for a very long time has been called Iran-e-Sagheer or Iran Minor,' said Professor Syed Akhtar Hussain, a Persian scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University. 'There is a historical factor—that the topography of Kashmir and the culture of Kashmir are similar to that of Iran. In the old times, they always thought Kashmir was a part of Iran in a way.' Religious affinity is another driver. 'Because there is a Shia element in Kashmir, and presence of Shia in Iran, that presence makes it more familiar for Kashmiris to associate themselves with… Iran became a country that they wanted to maintain affinity with. Iran is also a Shia country. Iran also feels happy that it has that special space in the heart of Kashmir,' he said. The relationship has practical benefits as well. Most Kashmiri students pursue medical education in Tehran, while others study Islamic theology in the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad. According to Prof. Hussain, Iran has even created admission pathways tailored for Kashmiri students. 'Iran gives some concessions to Kashmiri students to go and study there. By virtue of being Shia, they get admission very quickly and easily… for Kashmiris in Iran, it's less expensive.' This is often referred to as the 'pargees quota'. 'Shia students not only go to Iran to study medical sciences, they also study theology in Iran. Since the Islamic governance was formed in 1979, since then Kashmiri students have been going to Iran to study,' he added. Beyond academics, many students describe Iran as a 'second home,' noting the similarities in food, culture, climate, and community warmth. 'Students feel very homely while studying there. The cuisine, everything is almost the same, and students feel like they are in Kashmir. Because the regime is Shia, the Iranians also have a soft corner for Kashmiris,' said Prof. Hussain. He traced this deep-rooted connection back to the 13th century: 'One person named Meer Sayyed Ahmed Ali Hamadani from Iran came to Kashmir. He brought about 200 Syeds along with him, and those people brought crafts and industry from Iran to Kashmir. They brought carpet, papier-mâché, dry fruits and saffron too. Historically, this is the link. Kashmir and Central Asia's biggest link is Hamadani.' What are the risks? Though admission is relatively easier and cheaper abroad, experts warn of important caveats. 'There are not a lot of eligibility requirements. If the student can pay, they usually get admission. Some universities run two batches for each year to accommodate more students,' said Dr Lal. However, he warned that some foreign universities operate two tiers of medical education: one designed to produce local doctors, and another primarily to award degrees to foreigners. 'In fact, after completing some of the courses meant for foreigners, the students may not be eligible to practice in the host country. This means they are running two different medical courses,' he said. To address this, India's National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced a rule stating that students will be eligible to practice in India only if they are also eligible to practice in the country where they studied. The NMC also mandates that the medical course be 54 months long, completed at a single university, followed by a one-year internship at the same institution. Dr Lal also flagged the lack of transparent information: 'There are no foreign colleges or universities listed by the country's medical education regulator that people can trust… The regulator should either provide a list of approved colleges or select, say, the top 100 colleges from a given country.' What happens when they return? Even after securing their degree, foreign-trained doctors face several hurdles in India. Students from the Philippines, for instance, faced recognition issues because their courses were only 48 months long, short of the required 54. A major bottleneck is the FMGE, which all foreign-trained doctors must clear. The pass rate has historically been low: 25.8% in 2024, 16.65% in 2023, and 23.35% in 2022. 'Even afterwards, they face challenges in getting employed. This is because their training is not as robust. There have been cases where the students did not have a single stamp on their passport. Sometimes there is a lack of patients and practical training. The FMGE questions are simple, meant to test the students' practical knowledge. And, yet, many are unable to pass the examination even after several attempts,' said Dr Lal. Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government's management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country's space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University's Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor's Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More
Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
NEET UG 2025 Result: Getting a seat in India seems difficult? Here's how to choose the right medical college abroad
– Abhijit Zaveri With NEET UG 2025 results declared and 12,36,531 students clearing the exam, the limited availability of just 1.25 lakh MBBS seats in India is compelling many qualified candidates to explore alternative options — ranging from allied health science streams like dentistry, pharmacy, public health, and biotechnology to pursuing MBBS degrees abroad. Given the rising competition, limited government seats, and the high cost of private medical education in India, overseas medical education is no longer seen as a fallback, but a strategic choice. Countries like Russia, Georgia, the Philippines, and Hungary offer globally recognised programs that are often more affordable, provide international exposure, and follow curricula aligned with global standards – making them increasingly attractive for thousands of students each year. Timely planning is key, as aspiring students must begin applications, complete documentation, and prepare for visa processes by mid-summer. Importantly, a Supreme Court ruling from February 2025 and NMC (National Medical Commission) guidelines mandate that all students – whether studying in India or abroad – must qualify NEET-UG for admission into any medical program and to gain eligibility for practice in India. Key Factors in Choosing a Country, or University Affordability vs Quality: Private MBBS programs in India can cost upwards of Rs 60–80 lakh. In contrast, countries like Russia and Georgia offer tuition in the range of Rs 15–40 lakh for the full course duration. Monthly living expenses range from Rs 10,000 – Rs20,000, depending on the country. While affordability is a key factor for many families, it should not be the sole criterion. A lower fee structure may sometimes come at the cost of compromised academic standards or inadequate clinical training, both of which are crucial for a successful medical career. One reliable way to assess the quality of education offered by foreign institutions is by looking at the pass rates of the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), a mandatory licensure test in India for students who have earned their MBBS degrees overseas. The upcoming National Exit Test (NExT) will serve a similar purpose. High FMGE or NExT pass rates are a strong indicator of a university's academic rigour and how well it prepares students for medical practice in India. Ultimately, affordability must be weighed against long-term value – including educational quality, clinical exposure, and the ability to secure a medical licence upon returning home. Accreditation and Curriculum Compatibility: A critical aspect often overlooked is program recognition. Students must ensure that their chosen foreign university is approved by the NMC. With the impending transition from FMGE to NExT (National Exit Test) from 2024–25, aligning the curriculum with Indian licensure requirements is essential. Programs with strong clinical rotations, English-medium instruction, and hospital tie-ups tend to better prepare students for these assessments. Language, Culture, and Student Support: Even in English-taught programs, basic proficiency in the local language is crucial for everyday interactions, especially during clinical postings. For example, learning languages like Russian or Georgian can greatly enhance the clinical experience, allowing students to communicate more effectively with patients and healthcare staff. Additionally, quality-of-life factors such as climate, food, culture, and safety play a significant role in choosing a destination. Countries like Georgia offer milder climates and cultural proximity, making it an appealing option for many students. On the other hand, Russia's harsh winters might present challenges for those unaccustomed to extreme cold. These considerations are essential for making an informed decision about studying abroad. Licensing Outcomes and Pass Rates: Pass rates for exams like the FMGE and the upcoming NExT are strong indicators of a country's medical education quality. Georgian medical universities consistently report high FMGE success rates, ranging from 60% to 80% at leading institutions, compared to much lower rates in countries like China and Ukraine, where success often falls below 20%. These figures are important factors students should consider when choosing where to study Popular destinations: Pros and cons Russia: Russia has long been a popular choice for Indian students pursuing MBBS. The 6-year program, which includes an internship, is offered in both English and Russian, providing a unique opportunity to learn the local language. Tuition fees are affordable, ranging from Rs 3–5 lakh per year, with moderate living costs. The visa process is efficient, and many Russian universities collaborate with Indian agents, making it easier for students to navigate the application process. Russia also boasts excellent infrastructure and a sizable Indian community. However, it's important to note that FMGE pass rates typically range from 40–55%. Georgia: Georgia's 6-year MBBS programs, taught in English, are approved by both WHO and NMC. Tuition ranges from Rs 4 – 6 lakh per year, with hostel expenses between Rs 16,000 – Rs20,000 per month. Several universities report FMGE success rates above 60%, and the country is known for its welcoming environment, mild climate, and European lifestyle. Due to limited university options, students must apply by June–July for September intake. Philippines: Adopting a US-based system, medical education in the Philippines consists of a 2-year BS (pre-med) and a 4-year MD program. All courses are taught in English, and tuition is affordable (Rs 2.5 – 6 lakh per year). Living costs are comparable to India. The American-style curriculum is ideal for students planning to take USMLE or NExT. However, students must clear NMAT and hold a bachelor's degree, adding 2–3 years to their timeline. While NMC approval exists, FMGE eligibility has sparked debate—although recent data shows improved licensing outcomes for Philippine graduates. Other Countries: Hungary's leading institutions, such as Semmelweis and Debrecen, offer 6-year English-language MBBS programs with annual tuition around Rs 13–15 lakh. FMGE pass rates average about 50%. Slovakia's Comenius and Pavol Jozef Šafárik Universities charge Rs 8,80,000- Rs 10,27,000(€9,000–€10,500) annually, with living costs ranging from Rs 49,000- Rs 78,000(€500–€800) per month. Though FMGE data for Slovakia is limited, these universities meet NMC norms and are becoming increasingly popular among Indian students. Immediate Abroad vs gap year Once the NEET results are declared, students are required to choose whether to go abroad or take a year off. Applying as soon as the results of NEET are out means students are in line with the academic calendar abroad (applications in summer, visas in fall, and classes in winter). This way, students don't have their education slowed by unexpected events. However, quick decisions require preparedness in documentation, finances, and visa procedures. Reappearing for NEET offers candidates another opportunity to secure a government medical seat in India. During this period, students can also explore foreign institutions more thoroughly, learn a new language, and plan their finances. At the same time, taking a gap year can be both tough emotionally and academically. Delays in starting medical education may impact future practice timelines—a concern backed by studies that show delayed NEET success pushes career start dates further. –A hybrid approach can work well: Students who are NEET-eligible and do not secure seats could take advantage of approved foreign programs, so they don't waste time. Common Pitfalls and Best Practices –Skipping NEET: Any Indian student planning to pursue medical degree overseas is required to have NEET qualification. –Overlooking NMC Approval: Always verify that both the university and its medical program are officially recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for eligibility to practice in India. –Basing Decisions Solely on Cost: Lower fees in a medical program might mean sacrificing either the infrastructure or clinical quality. Looking at the past performance of FMGE/NExT can give you a clear picture of long-term worth. –Ignoring Language and Culture Barriers: English-medium classes don't eliminate the need for daily communication in local languages. Cultural compatibility impacts comfort and success. –Trusting Unverified Agents: Trust the resources given by embassies, well-known education portals, and comments from your peers. –Missing Application or Visa Deadlines: Students should mark all important dates—NEET application (Feb–Mar), results (June), international college deadlines (July), visa approvals (August–September). –Underestimating Total Expenses: Apart from tuition, students are required to cover costs for housing, meals, insurance, traveling, and unexpected emergencies. Visa applications often require proof of funds. Pursuing medical studies in a foreign country can have a major impact when planned well. Student should realize that low price does not always show the entire picture and think about the degrees they'll earn, quality of the institution, and their own qualifications. Because of programs like NExT as well as new opportunities worldwide, Indian medical students have a wide range of options, but they are responsible for making smart, forward-looking choices. If students consider the details of tuition, how the curriculum matches their needs, the university's accreditation, the place to live, and the influence on their future, students can chart a path that not only leads to a degree, but also a successful and fulfilling medical career. (The author is the founder and director of Career Mosaic)
