Hundreds of Indian students pursuing MBBS degrees in Nepal face an uncertain future due to discrepancies in licensing regulations. While Nepali authorities initially promised equal treatment for international students, recent clarifications have raised concerns.
The Issue:
- The Nepal Medical Council initially indicated that international students would be eligible for the same licenses as Nepali graduates.
- However, a subsequent circular clarified that international students would not be treated as “natives,” raising concerns about their ability to practice medicine in Nepal.
- This contradicts assurances given by some private colleges in Nepal to Indian students.
Impact on Students:
- Many students, unaware of these regulations, have already enrolled in Nepalese medical colleges and invested significant financial resources.
- This situation has left many students uncertain about their future career prospects and facing potential difficulties in obtaining medical licenses.
NMC’s Stance:
- The NMC has clarified that while international students can appear for the licensing exam, they will not be granted the same rights and privileges as Nepali graduates.
- The NMC has emphasized that a “good standing certificate” from the student’s home country is required for registration, which cannot be issued by Indian authorities for students who graduated from Nepalese institutions.
Expert Concerns:
- Experts have raised concerns about misleading information provided by some private colleges in Nepal regarding licensing regulations.
- There are concerns about the potential impact on the careers of hundreds of Indian students who have already enrolled in Nepalese medical colleges.
This situation underscores the importance of thorough research and careful consideration of all relevant regulations before pursuing medical education abroad.