Advisory cites serious issues including non-compliance, poor infrastructure, and risk of disqualification from Indian registration
New Delhi: The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a fresh advisory cautioning Indian students against enrolling in certain foreign medical colleges in Belize and Uzbekistan. The alert comes in the wake of serious concerns raised by the Indian Embassy in Mexico and the Eurasia Division of the Ministry of External Affairs.
The advisory lists four medical institutions as non-compliant with Indian medical education standards:
- Central American Health and Sciences University, Belize
- Columbus Central University, Belize
- Washington University of Health and Sciences, Belize
- Chirchik Branch of Tashkent State Medical University, Uzbekistan
According to the NMC, these institutions have been flagged for multiple issues including substandard or non-existent campus infrastructure, poor educational and clinical training quality, instances of harassment against Indian students, exorbitant fees, and refusal to refund fees upon course withdrawal.
Referring to its earlier notices dated 8th August 2023 and 22nd November 2024, the NMC reminded students about the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021, under which strict adherence to criteria such as course duration, medium of instruction, syllabus, clinical training, and internship is mandatory.
“Despite repeated advisories, students continue to seek admission in foreign institutions that fall short of FMGL standards,” the Commission stated, emphasizing that non-compliance may result in ineligibility for registration to practice allopathy in India.
The Commission urged students and their parents to consult the advisory uploaded on the NMC website on 19th May 2025 before applying to any foreign medical university. It also advised students currently studying in such institutions to reassess their eligibility and take immediate corrective measures, if necessary.
The NMC concluded by reiterating that FMGL Regulations are strictly enforced at the time of screening and registration and advised aspirants to regularly follow official updates and consult Indian embassies in the respective countries for the latest recognition status of medical institutes.
