NEW DELHI: The Centre's stance will be crucial in the petition filed by Indian students who have joined medical colleges in China seeking facilities for practical training in India since they have not been issued visas due to the Covid pandemic.

Students have been learning through online classes for the last two years. In this situation, the Secretary of the National Medical Commission had issued a circular stating that online MBBS courses could not be recognised. Meanwhile, the students approached the court. The High Court had sent notices to the central government and the Medical Council, saying the case would be heard on March 21.

Students and parents hope that the Centre will take a sympathetic stance on the need to negotiate with China through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remove travel bans. They also urge the government to obtain permission from Chinese universities to provide opportunities for practical training and internships in India. The court had orally suggested that the government should consider the future of the students. China has not issued new visas since November 2020.

Notice applies only to those enrolled in new courses

The National Medical Commission had issued a notice advising Indian students against pursuing medical education from China. However, students said that they have received assurances from the Medical Commission that the notice applies only to those enrolled in new courses, as online courses are not recognised. Uncertainty remains over whether current students will be able to return to China to pursue practicals and internships.

NMC not against students
Mohammad Sageer, state secretary of the Foreign Medical Graduates 'Parents' Association, said in a statement that the notice issued by the National Medical Commission yesterday was not against those who passed MBBS from China and those who are currently pursuing MBBS in the country. "Online medical education is not recognised in India. The notice issued by the NMC was meant to urge the students to be cautious while choosing the course. The NMC and the Ministry of External Affairs provide all support to those who continue their studies. Online theory classes are recognized. The only stipulation is to complete clinical and practical classes when colleges reopen. We had sought permission from the state Department of Medical Education to allow clinical practice here for Medical students from China till they return to China. We have been directed to apply with the recommendation of the university of study," he said.