4 hrs ago
NMC Says Georgia Graduates Need Independent Practice Licence for FMGE
India requires many doctors who studied abroad to pass the FMGE before they can register to practise in India.
The NMC says these graduates must also be licensed to practise independently in the country where they studied.
A job as a junior doctor in Georgia may not be enough because it can involve working under supervision.
Whether that status meets the rule depends on Georgian law.
The NMC explained this after a candidate asked about a six-year medical course in Georgia.
A 2022 embassy advisory said that becoming an independent doctor in Georgia involves an exam in Georgian, further study or residency, and a licence.
The candidate said some consultants were giving students a different interpretation of the rules.
A consultant called for a clearer advisory for students.
Reports estimate that 30,000 to 40,000 Indian students enrolled in Georgian medical colleges after the 2021 regulations took effect.
The NMC says foreign medical graduates need a licence to practise independently in the country where they earned their degree to qualify for the FMGE.
Regulation 4(b) of the 2021 regulations requires a licence equivalent to that granted to the country's own medical graduates.
The NMC says Georgian junior-doctor status qualifies only if Georgian law allows practice at the required independent level.
A September 2022 embassy advisory said independent practice in Georgia requires a Georgian-language examination, postgraduate study or residency, and a licence.
Reports estimate 30,000 to 40,000 Indian students enrolled in Georgian medical colleges after the 2021 regulations took effect.
- Who
- The National Medical Commission, responding to a candidate named Bhawna, and Indian students studying medicine in Georgia.
- What
- The NMC clarified that FMGE eligibility requires a licence to practise independently in the country where the medical degree was obtained; junior-doctor status alone may not qualify.
- Where
- India and Georgia.
- When
- The report was published on October 7; the relevant regulation was issued in 2021 and the embassy advisory in September 2022.
- Why
- A candidate sought clarification about whether a six-year medical course in Georgia and junior-doctor status meet the licensing condition for taking the FMGE.
NMC Licensing Requirement
Student and Consultant Concerns
Whether junior-doctor status is enough
NMC Licensing Requirement
The NMC says it qualifies only if Georgian law permits practice at the required independent level; the applicable Georgian law and licensing requirements determine the matter.
Student and Consultant Concerns
Bhawna said some consultants claim that working as a junior doctor during or after the six-year course makes graduates eligible for the FMGE, and alleged this interpretation misleads students.
Clarity for students
NMC Licensing Requirement
The NMC says eligibility must be assessed against the applicable laws and licensing requirements in Georgia.
Student and Consultant Concerns
A consultant urged the NMC and Indian Embassy to issue a clear advisory, warning that students may discover the requirement only after completing their courses.
Key facts
- Relevant rule
- Regulation 4(b) of the National Medical Commission (Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate) Regulations, 2021.
- Examination
- The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is required for foreign medical graduates seeking registration to practise medicine in India.
- NMC requirement
- A graduate must be registered or licensed to practise independently at a level equivalent to that country's own medical graduates.
- Junior-doctor status
- It is sufficient only if Georgian law permits practice at the required independent level; otherwise, the status alone does not meet Regulation 4(b).
- Steps cited for independent practice in Georgia
- The September 2022 advisory listed passing the Georgian-language National Post-Diploma Qualification Examination, pursuing postgraduate study or residency, and obtaining an independent-practice licence.
- Estimated Indian student enrolment
- An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 Indian students enrolled in Georgian medical colleges after the 2021 regulations took effect.
Quotes
A consultant
A consultant commenting on students’ FMGE eligibility.
“These consultants are saying that if you practise as a junior doctor while pursuing or completing your six-year MBBS course (called MD in Georgia), you are eligible to appear for the FMGE in India after completing the course. But the NMC’s response makes the position clear.”
indianexpress.com
timesnownews.com
theprint.in
“They will learn the reality once they are back after the course. The NMC and the Indian Embassy should issue a proper advisory to save the future of thousands of students aspiring to do MBBS from Georgia.”
indianexpress.com
National Medical Commission
India’s medical regulator, responding to a candidate’s grievance.
“As per Regulation 4(b) of the FMGL Regulations, 2021, a foreign medical graduate must possess licence to practise medicine in the country where the medical degree was obtained, at par with the licence granted to citizens of that country.”
indianexpress.com
theprint.in
Sources
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