Regulators' unclear replies fuel consultant scams on foreign MBBS courses

NMC’s unclear answers on foreign MBBS recognition have opened the door for consultants to mislead students, experts say. On Sept 24, the commission reminded that a degree from Georgia would count for the FMGE only if Georgia issues an independent licence to practise medicine. A second reply on Oct 13 to the same query said the licensing rule was under review by a competent authority and an expert panel. A third submission received a repeat of the 2021 regulations without clarification. PTI approached Raghav Langer, the NMC secretary, but got no reply. Delhi High Court lawyer Sachin Jain, who handles medical cases, warned that consultants quote the second reply to promise that the licence condition will be removed or bypassed, letting students sit for the FMGE and work in India. He said such promises could ruin the careers of thousands because the commission can only suggest a law change, not alter the legislation itself. Candidates who asked which reply applied were told the rules stay as written. Adding to the confusion, Georgia’s National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) published FAQs claiming the country meets all NMC criteria, while also stating graduates can only work as junior doctors under supervision, not independently. Supreme Court advocate Ajay Kumar Singh said the FAQ could mislead Indian aspirants and benefit Georgian schools. Lawyers have urged the Union health ministry and the NMC to release a definitive list of countries and universities that satisfy FMGE eligibility, aiming to protect students from fraud and career loss. The story comes from an automated news feed.

Context

The National Medical Commission sets rules for foreign medical graduates; the FMGE exam is required for them to practice in India. Conflicting messages from regulators and foreign bodies create uncertainty for students seeking MBBS abroad.