Unable to pass qualifying exam; Indians who did MBBS abroad on verge of committing suicide

KOCHI: Several people who have completed MBBS from foreign countries are on the verge of committing suicide due to debts as they are unable to pass the qualifying exam in India despite several attempts. It is alleged that the authorities are deliberately preventing these people from passing by conducting tough examinations without any transparency.

Those completing MBBS abroad must pass the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) to register and practice in India. Only 21.52 per cent of people managed to pass the last exam. If they do not pass FMGE within 10 years of joining the course, they will have to go and work in countries where foreign MBBS is recognized.

A large number of Indian students pursue MBBS in foreign countries by taking huge loans. Even after completing the course, many of them are unable to begin practising in India as they have not passed the FMGE. As a result, their families are stuck in a debt trap, unable to repay the loan.

On verge of suicide
A Thiruvananthapuram native completed her MBBS in 2014 from a famous university in China with 94 per cent marks. Despite appearing for FMGE twice a year, she has not been able to pass the qualifying exam so far. Her parents stated that she is unable to register for the PSC as her foreign degree was not recognized in the country.

Another parent said that his family is on the verge of suicide due to financial difficulties as his son has not been able to pass FMGE so far.

"We sent him abroad for MBBS by taking a bank loan of Rs 15 lakhs. We were not able to fulfil the condition of repaying the amount within six and a half years. With interest and penalty interest added to the loan, the liability exceeded 30 lakhs," he said.