Transfer to another varsity remains only option for Medical students from Ukraine

Transfer to another varsity remains only option for Medical students from Ukraine

Astha.Hemant@timesgroup.com

The National Medical Council (NMC) has refused to recognise the ‘mobility programme’ being offered by Ukraine to Indian medical students, under which students could opt to study at another university for a few semesters. Apart from its refusal, NMC has also specified that there is no provision for these students to be accommodated in Indian universities. Also, NMC will not recognise online classes as a medium of imparting instruction to Medical students. There is no way for the NMC to guarantee authenticity of quality of education offered under the mobility programme, which may have led to the decision. Thus, taking a transfer to any other foreign medical university remains the only option for eligible students as of now.

No authenticity yet A senior official from the Ministry of Health, Government of India, on the condition of anonymity, says, “In India, the NMC visits and checks every new medical institute before it is approved. Despite this, we get complaints from students regarding quality of education being imparted at few colleges. The NMC is not aware of the kind of education that will be imparted under a provision such as the ‘mobility programme’, which may have led to its decision. ” While the government is sympathetic towards the unfortunate situation of medical students in Ukraine, it is not possible for NMC to compromise on the quality of medical professionals and the health of patients in the future.

“The same reason is also valid for not accepting an online mode of education for Medicine,” adds the official. Options for students While few private universities have offered Indian students the option of a mobility programme, some others have asked us to relocate to their campuses in other countries, says Smriti Sharma, fourth year student of Kyiv Medical University, Ukraine. “My university has opened a new campus in Poland, and I have taken admission for my next semester there. However, the situation remains uncertain for many as taking a transfer poses various issues,” she says. Taking a transfer generally means a higher fees structure, which many students cannot afford. “NMC has also specified that under Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, that came into effect in November 2021, students have to complete their education and internship from the same foreign university without any transfer.

Thus, students whose classes have started after November 18, 2021 are not eligible to take a transfer as well,” says Smriti. Further, students in their final year of education are hesitant to take a transfer. Shivani Choudhary, a medical student who has just received her degree from Uzzhorod National University, Ukraine, says, “In my University, most students in their fourth and fifth years have started proceedings to get a transfer. However, final year students have written to the NMC and are waiting for better clarity in the matter as they do not want to jeopardise their education. ” Since education over the last two years has been adversely affected, Shivani will also have to go through two compulsory years of internship before she can practice in India.