NMC rectifies discrimination against foreign MBBS graduates, reduces internship requirement to one year

KOCHI: National Medical Commission (NMC) has finally rectified the discrimination against those who studied MBBS abroad. Due to COVID and war, the order to do internship (house surgery) for three years has been withdrawn and changed it to one year. However, those who have studied online during the Covid period will have to return to the university and present the certificate of having attended the class.

In an order issued on June 7, the NMC had suggested that those who returned to their country due to Covid and the war in Ukraine should do an internship in India for three years. It was also informed that the certificate of attending the class after returning to the university will not be accepted. The new order says that those who have successfully studied offline instead of online should do an internship for one year. The order dated 7th December 2023 to produce the certificate of direct study should be followed.

The three-year internship proposal was criticized as discriminatory against those who had to study online due to Covid and war. During COVID, online learning was adopted by India too.

"Kerala Kaumudi" had reported on June 10 the order that foreign MBBS students should do internship for three years. Foreign Medical Graduates Parents Association and All Kerala Ukraine Students and Parents Association had submitted a petition against the discrimination.

"Discrimination against foreign students has been rectified. Welcoming the introduction of equal internships for those who have studied abroad and in India."

-Andrews Mathew

President, Foreign Medical Graduates Parents Association