The National Medical Commission (NMC) issued a new advisory on [Insert Date of Advisory] warning Indian students about medical colleges in Uzbekistan. Admissions to certain institutions could disqualify students from practicing medicine in India. This follows reports of admission irregularities and poor training standards.
Foreign Medical College Concerns
The NMC flagged several foreign medical colleges for non-compliance with the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021 . Students enrolled in these institutions risk being ineligible for medical registration in India. The commission stated that failing to meet guidelines can result in disqualification from medical practice.
Uzbekistan Institutions Under Scrutiny
The advisory specifically names these Uzbekistan institutions:
- Bukhara State Medical Institute (BSMI)
- Samarkand State Medical University (SSMU)
- Tashkent State Medical University (TSMU)
- TSMU Termez Branch (linked with TIT Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru)
Information for the advisory came from the Indian Embassy in Tashkent.
Indian Embassy Reports Issues
The Embassy of India in Tashkent reported significant quality concerns. These included:
- Students admitted beyond the institution's capacity.
- Lack of necessary hands-on clinical training.
- Instruction not in English, creating learning barriers.
- Allegations of FMGL violations and irregular admission processes.
These issues directly impact medical education quality and student career prospects.
FMGL Regulations 2021 Requirements
The NMC requires foreign medical graduates to meet specific criteria for registration in India. Key requirements of the FMGL Regulations, 2021 include:
- A minimum of 54 months of education at a single institution.
- A 12-month internship at the same university.
- Continuous clinical training without splits across countries.
- The medium of instruction must be English .
- Students must study specific mandatory subjects.
- The institution must hold recognition from its local regulatory authority.
Failure to meet these conditions may prevent registration in India.
NMC Advisory for Students and Parents
The NMC advises students and parents to avoid fraudulent admissions. Students should:
- Reject guaranteed admission offers without NEET qualification.
- Verify the recognition status of foreign institutions.
- Avoid unverified agents.
- Confirm FMGL Regulation compliance before paying fees.
- Seek guidance from the NMC or Indian embassies abroad.
Non-compliance can make students ineligible for the FMGE/NExT exams. It can also prevent them from obtaining a license to practice medicine in India, leading to financial and career setbacks.