FMGE: Independent medical license mandatory for MBBS graduates from Georgia; NMC clarifies rules..

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has clarified the position regarding the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) for Indian students pursuing medical studies in Georgia. According to the Commission, merely working as a 'junior doctor' in Georgia is insufficient to qualify for the FMGE in India. A candidate must possess a valid license to practice medicine independently in the country where they obtained their medical degree. The NMC provided this information in response to a complaint filed by a candidate. The FMGE is a mandatory examination for foreign medical graduates seeking registration as doctors in India.

Which rule was cited?
In its response, the NMC cited Regulation 4(b) of the National Medical Commission (Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate) Regulations, 2021. According to this regulation, a candidate who has obtained a medical degree from a foreign country must be registered or licensed by the medical regulatory authority of that country. This license must authorize the candidate to practice medicine independently and be equivalent to the license granted to medical graduates of that country. The NMC stated that the status of 'junior doctor' can be considered sufficient only if it legally permits independent medical practice at the required level.

What is the status of a 'junior doctor' in Georgia?
According to the NMC, if postgraduate certification is required to practice independently as a doctor in Georgia, then merely holding the status of a 'junior doctor' will not satisfy the condition of Regulation 4(b). In other words, permission to work solely as a 'junior doctor' after completing the six-year MBBS course cannot be equated to an independent medical practice license. The laws and licensing regulations applicable in Georgia will determine whether a candidate is eligible for the FMGE. A candidate named Bhavna had lodged a complaint regarding this issue. She alleges that certain education consultants are providing incorrect information to students about the rules governing medical education and licensing in Georgia.

How does one become an independent doctor in Georgia?
In September 2022, the Indian Embassy issued an advisory for Indian students enrolling in medical colleges in Georgia. It stated that after completing their undergraduate medical education, Indian students could work as junior doctors. However, to practice medicine as independent doctors, they must pass the National Post-Diploma Qualification Examination (NPDQE) in the Georgian language. Subsequently, they are required to complete postgraduate studies or a residency in their chosen specialization and obtain a license to practice medicine independently. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the distinction between the role of a junior doctor and the license to practice as an independent doctor.

What is the major concern for students?
Following this clarification from the NMC, questions regarding FMGE eligibility have arisen for Indian students pursuing the six-year medical course in Georgia. It is estimated that between 30,000 and 40,000 Indian students enrolled in various medical colleges in Georgia after the 2021 FMGE regulations came into effect. There are concerns that many of these students may not be fully aware of the requirement for an independent medical practice license. Students and consultants point out that some colleges and education consultants are interpreting the rules in ways that could lead to confusion. They suggest that the NMC and the Indian Embassy should issue clear advisories for students so that they can fully understand the licensing and FMGE requirements before pursuing medical education abroad.

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