In a significant development, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has extended a lifeline to foreign medical graduates (FMGs) from Ukraine, allowing them a unique opportunity to complete their medical courses in different countries.

This one-time initiative aims to address the challenges faced by medical students who returned to India due to the war in Ukraine. The Ministry of Health, through Minister of State Bharati Pravin Pawar, revealed the details of this scheme in response to queries in the Rajya Sabha on December 5, 2023.

Also, read New Medical Exam 2024: National Exit Test (NEXT) for MBBS in India

Key Provisions and Relief Measures by NMC

Qualification Criteria:

• Indian students who were in the final year of their undergraduate medicine course in Ukraine and have completed their studies with a certificate of course/degree by June 30, 2022, are eligible to appear in the FMG examination.
• Successful candidates must undergo a compulsory rotating medical internship (CRMI) for a period of two years to qualify for registration.

Academic Mobility Program:

• The NMC has given its approval to Ukraine’s Academic Mobility Program, allowing temporary relocation to other universities for the duration of the conflict.
• FMGs returning from Ukraine can avail a one-time opportunity to finish their remaining medical course. The degree will be awarded by the university where they choose to migrate.

Extension of Relaxation:

• Through a notice issued on November 22, 2023, the NMC extended the relaxation to these students for an additional three months, recognizing the continued challenges.

Current Scenario of Indian Students in Ukraine:

• As of the semester starting September 2023, 5,715 Indian students are enrolled in Ukrainian universities.
• Among them, 2,510 are studying in offline mode in Ukraine, 2,952 are pursuing online studies, and 242 are in third countries under an academic mobility program.

Government’s Efforts to Enhance Medical Education:

• To increase opportunities for medical education in India, the government has approved 157 new medical colleges under the centrally sponsored scheme, of which 108 are already functional.
• There has been a significant increase in the number of medical colleges, MBBS seats, and PG seats, indicating the government’s commitment to expanding medical education in the country.

Also, read NMC 2024: New Rules Allow Non-Biology Students to Pursue Medical

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is eligible for the FMG examination under NMC’s scheme?

A: Indian students who were in the final year of their undergraduate medicine course in Ukraine and obtained their course/degree certificate by June 30, 2022, are eligible.

Q2: What is the requirement after qualifying the FMG examination?

A: Successful candidates must undergo a compulsory rotating medical internship (CRMI) for a period of two years to qualify for registration.

Q3: Has NMC approved Ukraine’s Academic Mobility Program?

A: Yes, NMC has given its approval to the Academic Mobility Program offered by Ukraine, allowing temporary relocation to other universities during the conflict.

Q4: How long has the relaxation been extended, and when was it communicated?

A: The NMC extended the relaxation for an additional three months, and the notice was issued on November 22, 2023.

Q5: What is the current scenario of Indian students in Ukrainian universities?

A: As of the semester starting September 2023, 5,715 Indian students are enrolled, with 2,510 studying offline in Ukraine, 2,952 studying online, and 242 in third countries under an academic mobility program.

Q6: How is the government working to enhance medical education in India?

A: The government has approved 157 new medical colleges under the centrally sponsored scheme, with 108 already functional. There has been a significant increase in the number of medical colleges, MBBS seats, and PG seats.

Q7: Who falls under the Screening Test Regulations, 2002?

A: Foreign Medical Students whose classes were stalled before November 18, 2021, fall under the provisions of the Screening Test Regulations, 2002.

Q8: Who is covered under the FMG Licentiate Regulations, 2021?

A: Foreign Medical Students whose classes started after November 18, 2021, are covered under the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021.

Q9: To whom does the NMC Public Notice dated July 28, 2022, apply?

A: The notice is applicable to Indian students who were in the last year of their undergraduate medicine course, returned due to factors like Covid-19 or the Russia-Ukraine war, and completed their studies by June 30, 2022.

Q10: What is the requirement after qualifying the FMG examination?

A: FMGs who have completed their medical qualification and passed the FMG examination are required to undergo a CRMI for two years to compensate for missed clinical training.

Q11: Are online classes valid for FMGs returned from Ukraine?

A: Online classes for Foreign Medical Students returned from Ukraine are valid for theory subjects, provided they are supplemented by offline practical and clinical training.

Q6: What are the internship requirements under FMGL 2021?

FMGs are required to undergo a twelve-month internship in the same foreign medical institution. Additionally, a supervised internship in India for twelve months is mandatory after qualifying the FMG Examination.

End Note

The NMC’s initiatives aim to alleviate the challenges faced by FMGs from Ukraine, offering them a unique opportunity to complete their medical education. The comprehensive FAQs provide clarity on various aspects, ensuring a thorough understanding for students and stakeholders. As India continues to expand its medical education infrastructure, these measures reflect a commitment to supporting students in their pursuit of a medical career.

Also, read NMC & MARB Unveils Game-Changing Guidelines for Medical Education 2024-2025

Tanu Bhatnagar

Meet Tanu Bhatnagar, an educational expert with extensive experience in teaching, research and mentoring.With a decade in... (Full bio)