India has increasingly become a sought-after destination for medical aspirants based in the Middle East countries. Dr (Prof) B Srinivas, Secretary of the National Medical Council (NMC) of India, highlighted, "There is a large number of students from the Middle East who are applying and seeking admissions through the NEET exam in India.”
Admissions are governed by the NMC and based on the NEET exam, which every candidate must clear.
Formerly known as the Medical Council of India, NMC approves all medical universities in the country. NMC is responsible for maintaining high standards of medical education, recognizing medical qualifications, and ensuring the quality of medical institutions.
In India, MBBS is one of the most coveted courses that attracts students from across the globe. High standards of education and affordable tuition fees compared to Western countries are what attract many medical aspirants to India.
“Across the country, there are 1,500 seats for students from outside India. Of the nearly 10,000 applications received annually from students, about 80-90 per cent come from countries such as Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman," Dr Srinivas said, while adding that the primary reason for this influx is the quality of education offered in India. "Education in India is well-respected globally, with clear regulations and strict policies in place," Dr Srinivas explained.
Unlike in many other countries, Middle Eastern students do not have to appear for any additional exams when they return to their home countries to start practising.
"The credibility of medical education in India has grown significantly due to the technical knowledge and hands-on experience students gain," Dr Srinivas said while adding that "exposure to simulation models, live patients, and extensive clinical practice makes India an attractive destination for medical education."
Dr Srinivas also discussed the collaborative approach NMC wishes to explore with many countries in the Middle East. "We are in the process of getting in touch with regulatory bodies of various countries. This process has already started in Russia and the Philippines, with MoUs being signed to facilitate the free flow of doctors and students through exchange programs."
Highlighting the potential benefits, Dr Srinivas said, "India has a young population, and by collaborating with other countries, we can address the demand for doctors and students through exchange programs. India's robust research capabilities can also benefit from these collaborations."
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