Allow medical internships in India: Students enrolled in Chinese varsities demand HC

The plea has been filed in the high court by 92 students through the Foreign Medical Graduates Parents Association (FMGPA) - a registered association formed for the welfare of Indian students pursuing medical education in foreign countries.

MBBS Students from Chinese University: The outbreak of the novel coronavirus forced the students from Kerala enrolled for MBBS in Chinese universities to return to India. These students have now approached the Kerala High Court to allow them practical training (including clinical) and internships in the country.

The plea has been filed in the high court by 92 students through the Foreign Medical Graduates Parents Association (FMGPA) - a registered association formed for the welfare of Indian students pursuing medical education in foreign countries.

According to students, their request to undertake practical training and internship in India has not been approved by the National Medical Commission. Similarly, the Commission also maintains that the online mode of education is not valid without supplementary practical courses. In order to make their demands heard, FMGA had also organized protests outside the secretariat.

As the travel restrictions to China still exist amid the ongoing pandemic situation, the students are exasperated with no other options left.

Chinese universities consider practical training and internships under Indian hospitals following World Health Organization (WHO) standards as valid. Through the plea, the students are demanding to be given opportunities in such hospitals. In the plea filed by students, the court has sought the explanation of the Union government to know its stance over the matter.

Meanwhile, in the latest notification released by UGC, the Commission has warned students against taking admissions in Chinese universities. The Commission on Friday advised students interested in pursuing courses in universities in China to be "aware" of the COVID-related travel restrictions imposed by that country. UGC further informed that many Indians have not been able to return to continue their studies there due to the curbs and courses will be conducted online as there has been no relaxation in the restrictions.

The official notice released by UGC said, according to the rules, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) do not recognise such degree courses done only in online mode without prior approval.

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