The Medical Council of India may soon permit students who have studied a medical post-graduation in Russia and other foreign countries to practice in India. Several Indian students opt to pursue a medical degree in countries like Russia or China, because of their cost efficiency. The MCI has until now only recognised and accepted the degrees from a select few countries, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, those who have received a degree from other countries (which are not approved by the MCI) are not allowed to practice medicine in India. This may soon change.
After pursuing a medical education in certain countries, students find it difficult to obtain a job in the clinical sector as the MCI does not recognize their degree and are left in the lurch. The MCI is now looking to overturn this rule and is considering allowing students with medical degrees from foreign colleges to practice in India. It has been reported that if students clear the Diplomate of National Board (DNB) exam, they can work in hospitals and medical colleges in India.
Postgraduate medical education in India
At present, students who join an MBBS program are subject to roughly 6 years of education. Following this they have the option of pursuing a post graduate course in India or abroad. There are two postgraduation degree options for those in India. While a person is awarded the MD/MS degree by state universities or deemed universities, a Diploma of National Board (DNB) qualification is awarded by the National Board of Examination (NBE) under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Students who pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in foreign countries must take the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) before they can be eligible for practicing medicine in India. The FMGE acts as a screening test before a doctor (who holds a foreign medical degree) can legally practice medicine in India.
The MCI is considering reforms to its old rules in order to address the shortage of MBBS and specialist doctors in India.