Dr. Ashaq Hussain
India is home to prestigious Medical institutions like AIIMS, JIPMER, and other top government medical colleges that provide world-class education and are renowned for producing some of the world’s finest doctors. Yet, every year, thousands of Indian students pursue their MBBS degrees abroad to achieve their dreams, though many struggle to succeed in this pursuit. Similar is the story of Sumit, an 18-year-old from Delhi, who had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. Inspired by a distant relative in the medical field, he was determined to follow the same path. However, after scoring 605 out of 720 in the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), he found himself at a difficult crossroads. His score, though commendable, was not high enough to secure a government medical seat in India. The alternative private medical colleges demanded exorbitant tuition fees, far beyond his family’s financial reach. Undeterred, Sumit explored options abroad and secured admission in a reputed medical college with the help of loans. Just as he was beginning to chase his lifelong dream, fate took a tragic turn. While commuting between his hostel and college, he met with a fatal accident, cutting short his promising future. His untimely demise shattered his family, leaving them in unimaginable grief.
Like Sumit, thousands of Indian students face the same dilemma each year. While government medical colleges offer quality education at an affordable cost, they have an extremely limited number of seats. As a result, students who fail to secure a government seat are left with no choice but to opt for private medical colleges. As a result, many seek opportunities in countries like Russia, China, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Kazakhstan, where medical education is significantly more affordable. This growing trend raises an important question: How long must Indian students look beyond their homeland for opportunities, and what can be done to address this pressing issue?
The statistics are staggering. In 2024, over 20 lakh students appeared for NEET, competing for just about 1 lakh MBBS seats. Of these, only around 50,000 seats were available in government colleges, making admission highly competitive. For those who miss out, private institutions remain the only alternative. However, the cost of an MBBS degree at a private medical college in India ranges from ?50 lakh to ?1.5 crore, an amount unaffordable for most middle-class families. In contrast, studying abroad in countries like Russia or Ukraine costs around ?20-30 lakh, including tuition and living expenses, making it a more viable option.
Countries like Russia, Ukraine, China, and the Philippines offer affordable and quality medical education to Indian students. These universities provide English-medium courses, advanced infrastructure, and lower tuition fees compared to India’s private institutions. While NEET qualification remains mandatory for Indian students who wish to practice in India, many foreign universities accept students with lower scores, giving them a second chance at achieving their medical aspirations. Additionally, consultancy agencies aggressively market foreign medical institutions, promising a smooth admission process and affordable education, further fueling the trend of studying abroad.
However, pursuing medical education overseas comes with its own challenges. One major hurdle is the language barrier, students in non-English-speaking countries often struggle to master the local language, which is crucial for effective patient interactions during clinical training. Countries like China, Russia, and Ukraine require foreign students to learn their native languages to communicate with patients effectively. Another significant challenge arises after completing an MBBS abroad, Indian students must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), to practice in India. The FMGE has a notoriously low pass rate, with only 10-20% of students clearing it on their first attempt, leading to uncertainty in their professional future.
Despite these challenges, the affordability of foreign medical education continues to attract Indian students. This trend has far-reaching implications, not only affecting India’s healthcare system but also contributing to brain drain, as many students choose to settle abroad due to better career prospects. While some return to India after completing their degrees, bringing global exposure and advanced techniques, the loss of skilled professionals remains a concern.
The need of the hour is for the government to address these systemic issues by increasing the number of affordable medical seats through the expansion of public medical colleges. Regulating the fee structure, both for government and private medical institutions can also make medical education more accessible. By implementing reasonable fee structures and increasing the availability of seats, fewer students would feel compelled to seek education abroad.
In conclusion, the increasing trend of Indian students pursuing MBBS abroad is a direct result of intense competition, high costs, and limited seats in India. While studying abroad offers an alternative, it presents challenges such as language barriers, accreditation issues, and licensing exam difficulties. To resolve this, India must strengthen its medical education infrastructure, regulate private college fees, and provide better support for returning students. Only then can aspiring doctors fulfill their dreams within India’s borders, reducing the need to seek opportunities elsewhere.
(The author is Associate Professor Chemistry at Govt Gandhi Memorial (GGM) Science College, Jammu)
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