Philippines Medical Degree Dispute: Indian Students Demand Govt Action over NMC Regulations

The students letter to Health Ministry, NMC further alleged malpractice by agents. “Fake or misleading letters are shown to parents to prove compliance. Students are being trapped,” it warned.

Indian medical students studying in Philippines have raised serious concerns about whether their medical degrees meet National Medical Commission’s (NMC) Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) requirement or not. They have written to the Union Health Ministry and NMC demanding clarification and intervention.

In their letter to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Medical Commission, students claimed that the programme in Philippines is shorter than required. “The programme is 48 months long, while FMGL regulations clearly ask for 54 months,” it stated.

They also pointed to issues with internships. “Indian students are not allowed to do the 12‑month internship in accredited hospitals. This is a direct violation of FMGL norms,” the letter read. They added that eligibility for the licensure exam is another obstacle. “Under the Medical Act of 1959, only citizens of the Philippines can appear for the Physician Licensure Exam. Without this, our degree has no validity,” they said.

The students letter to Health Ministry, NMC further alleged malpractice by agents. “Fake or misleading letters are shown to parents to prove compliance. Students are being trapped,” it warned.

The Philippines is a popular choice for Indian students because of lower costs and English‑medium teaching. But students say the lack of clarity around recognition has left them uncertain about their future.

Philippine authorities have in the past said their MD programmes comply with Indian regulations, but no formal confirmation has come from the NMC. This has added to confusion.

CHED (Commission on Higher Education) in the Philippines has previously stated that accredited institutions meet necessary requirements. However, the students say those assurances are not enough. They want clear recognition from Indian regulators before continuing their studies.

For now, thousands of Indian students are await an official word from NMC, Health Ministry, as their education and career plans remain uncertain.

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