In a good news for Indian medical graduates, under a new deal, they will now be able to practise medicine in foreign countries. The National Medical Commission (NMC) received the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) recognition status for a duration of 10 years.
The announcement was made by the Union Health Ministry through a press release.
This will enable medical graduates with degrees from Indian institutions to pursue post-graduation or practise medicine in countries like the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, where WFME recognition is a prerequisite.
This accreditation is now applicable on 706 existing medical colleges in India. Any new medical colleges established in the next 10 years will also automatically gain WFME accreditation status.
Beyond its international appeal, the NMC’s recognition by WFME will enable the commission to enhance the quality and standards of medical education in India by aligning it with global best practices and benchmarks.
It will also augment the international recognition and reputation of Indian medical institutions and professionals, foster academic collaborations and exchanges, and promote ongoing improvements and innovation in medical education.
The World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) is a global organisation dedicated to improving the quality of medical education worldwide.
Its mission revolves around the pursuit of better healthcare for all and the advancement of the highest scientific and ethical standards in medical education, the health ministry said in the release.
The press release also notes the pivotal role of the Education Commission on Foreign Medical Education (ECFMG) in the US, responsible for overseeing policies and regulations governing the licensing of International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
ECFMG certification is a prerequisite for IMGs seeking to undertake the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLEs) and apply for residency programmes.
WFME recognition process entails a fee of Rs 4,98,5142 ($60,000) per medical college, which covers expenses related to site visits, travel, and accommodation for assessment teams.
This implies an approximate total cost of Rs 351.9 crore ($4,23,60,000) for all 706 medical colleges in India to seek WFME recognition, with the assurance that the NMC’s recognition extends to all medical colleges under its purview.
Also Read: 24-Yr-Old Dies Of Heart Attack While Practising Garba
