Studying medicine abroad has become a popular option for many Indian students, offering exposure to diverse medical practices and the chance to experience different healthcare systems. Attending an international medical school often provides students with opportunities for hands-on clinical training, exposure to advanced medical technology, and global networking.This international exposure can help shape a well-rounded medical professional, equipped to work in different healthcare environments.
However, as Ravi K Wadhawan, parent-teacher and student counsellor, pointed out, Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have emerged as affordable and accessible education hubs against the long-preferred destinations like Russia for medical studies. Despite its reputation for quality education, students often face language barriers, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient clinical exposure. Unregulated education consultants often mislead students about foreign degrees and help them enroll into these inadequately governed institutions. Poorly trained students from these colleges usually fail India’s Foreign Medical Graduate Examination. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has only worsened the situation. In this light, Indian authorities must provide proper guidance to students. The National Medical Commission should establish a robust accreditation system for foreign institutions to ensure students enroll in recognized programs abroad.
Dr Kumardeep Dutta Choudhury, director of medical oncology at Max Hospital, notes that while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh offer affordable medical education, they face moderate standards and social challenges. He suggests Indian regulators limit approved overseas colleges to ensure higher education quality for Indian students.
While international medical schools can offer many advantages, careful selection and awareness of the associated risks are crucial for a successful medical career.
However, as Ravi K Wadhawan, parent-teacher and student counsellor, pointed out, Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have emerged as affordable and accessible education hubs against the long-preferred destinations like Russia for medical studies. Despite its reputation for quality education, students often face language barriers, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient clinical exposure. Unregulated education consultants often mislead students about foreign degrees and help them enroll into these inadequately governed institutions. Poorly trained students from these colleges usually fail India’s Foreign Medical Graduate Examination. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has only worsened the situation. In this light, Indian authorities must provide proper guidance to students. The National Medical Commission should establish a robust accreditation system for foreign institutions to ensure students enroll in recognized programs abroad.
Dr Kumardeep Dutta Choudhury, director of medical oncology at Max Hospital, notes that while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh offer affordable medical education, they face moderate standards and social challenges. He suggests Indian regulators limit approved overseas colleges to ensure higher education quality for Indian students.
While international medical schools can offer many advantages, careful selection and awareness of the associated risks are crucial for a successful medical career.