Over the past few months, global situations like the political conflict/war between Russia and Ukraine as well as the current public health crisis caused by Covid-19 in China, have abruptly paused the futures of thousands of Indian medical students who had been studying in these countries.
While some universities and governments had raised the promise of allowing the Ukraine-returned students to complete their studies in India, many still are waiting to get a seat. With little to no hope in sight, these students are now on a 5-day hunger strike in Delhi appealing to Narendra Modi to intervene and help them be accommodated in Indian universities, on account of being a one-time measure.
Previously, the students sat in protest in Jantar Mantar and had written to PM Modi seeking help. These students cited anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges, again seeking PM Modi’s help saving their futures.
Also Read: Russian Universities Hike Indian Student Intake by 50%
Official sources reported that around 40,000 Indian students pursuing medicine in China and Ukraine were reported to have returned on account of the devastating effects of the pandemic and the war. However, sources further stated that China had granted permission to students to enter the country and complete their studies, whereas, the situation in Ukraine continues to remain obscure.
According to the reports, the Centre, on 22 July this year, announced that the National Medical Commission (NMC) had not provided any provision to accommodate foreign medical students in Indian medical colleges.
Bharati Pawarm the Minister of State for Health, stated that no provisions had been given in the Indian Medical Council Act 1956 nor in the National Medical Commission Act 2019, wherein foreign medical students could be transferred or accommodated in Indian medical colleges.
Also Read: NMC Considering Relief for Indian Medical Students Back from Ukraine and China
She added that foreign medical graduates and students are covered only under the Screening Test Regulations 2002 and the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiae Regulations, 2021.
A statement released by the Parents Association of Ukraine MBBS Students (PAUMS) revealed that the Ukraine-returned students had announced the 5-day hunger strike if their demands had not been met. Starting Saturday, they would hold a five-day hunger strike for the demand for admission to Indian medical colleges as a one-time measure.
Previously. The NMC had permitted foreign medical graduates to complete their internships in India, after clearing the FMGE test. However, this relief had been offered only to those students who could not complete their internships on account of situations beyond their control.
Wish to Study MBBS Abroad?
Source: Livemint
