Economic Survey 2024-25 reveals alarmingly Low Pass rate among Foreign Medical Graduates

The Economic Survey 2024-25 has shed light on a troubling trend in India’s medical education landscape, revealing an alarmingly low pass rate among foreign medical graduates appearing for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). The survey indicates that the pass rate has remained consistently low, fluctuating between 14% and 20% over the past five years. This revelation raises serious concerns about the competency of foreign-trained medical graduates practicing in India and calls into question the quality of medical education offered in several foreign institutions.

A senior health ministry official emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating that the low pass rate clearly reflects the subpar quality of medical education in various foreign countries. Many Indian students travel abroad to study medicine, primarily in countries like China, Russia, and Ukraine, where medical education is often considered a more affordable alternative to India’s highly competitive medical colleges. However, the survey suggests that the education provided in these institutions may not always align with the rigorous standards required in India, leading to poor performance in the mandatory licensing examination.

The FMGE is a crucial assessment designed to ensure that foreign medical graduates meet the necessary standards before practicing in India. However, the consistently low success rate suggests that many foreign-trained doctors struggle with fundamental medical concepts and clinical skills. The survey underscores the urgent need for a stronger regulatory framework to oversee the quality of medical education abroad. It recommends that the Indian government work closely with foreign medical authorities and educational institutions to standardize medical training and ensure that Indian students receive education that meets the necessary benchmarks for competence.

Additionally, the survey stresses the importance of guiding students before they enroll in foreign medical colleges. Many students, unaware of the varying standards of medical education abroad, choose institutions that may not provide adequate training. Strengthening regulations and enforcing stricter accreditation policies for foreign medical institutions can help safeguard the quality of medical professionals returning to India.

The government has been urged to take immediate action to address this pressing issue. Measures such as revising the FMGE framework, enhancing preparatory training for returning graduates, and collaborating with foreign medical bodies to improve education quality could help bridge the gap. Ensuring that foreign-trained doctors possess the required skills and knowledge is crucial for maintaining high medical standards and safeguarding public health in India.