Regulatory Breakthrough: Philippine MD Programmes Now Recognised by India’s NMC

CHED Confirms Compliance with NMC Norms, Easing Path for Indian Medical Graduates in the Philippines

In a significant policy shift, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines has officially confirmed that its Doctor of Medicine (MD) programmes now comply with the eligibility criteria set by India’s National Medical Commission (NMC). The development marks a breakthrough for Indian medical students studying in the Philippines, restoring their eligibility to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) and the forthcoming National Exit Test (NExT), both mandatory for practising medicine in India.

This affirmation, conveyed through formal correspondence between CHED and the Indian Embassy in Manila, ends a prolonged period of uncertainty triggered by NMC’s Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021. These regulations had rendered Philippine medical degrees non-compliant due to the exclusion of the two-year Bachelor of Science (BS) course from the required 54-month duration.

The regulatory mismatch affected nearly 10,000 Indian students enrolled in BS programmes, causing widespread concern about degree recognition and exam eligibility. Despite appeals from the Indian Embassy and various state medical councils, the NMC initially declined to recognise the BS component. However, following student protests and broader challenges faced by foreign medical graduates, particularly from Ukraine and the Philippines, the NMC, in December 2023, granted a one-time exemption. Under this provision, students already enrolled and physically present at medical colleges abroad at the time of the FMGL 2021 notification were allowed to continue, provided they completed an additional one-year internship under the CRMI Regulations.

With CHED’s recent confirmation, the Philippine MD degree now meets all requirements under Schedule I of the FMGL Regulations. These include a 54-month curriculum (excluding pre-med), English-medium instruction, appropriate subject coverage, a one-year internship at the same or an affiliated institution, and the award of a registrable medical qualification. This alignment has been positively received by Indian students. Aditya, a third-year MD student at Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF), expressed relief at the news. He explained that previous uncertainty had impacted his academic focus and forced him to reconsider his long-term career prospects. With the new clarity, he said, he could now pursue his goals without the persistent fear of his degree being rejected in India.

Aditya cited affordability, climate similarity, disease patterns, and English-language instruction as key reasons for choosing the Philippines over other countries. He also credited DMSF, Transworld, and Dr David Pillai for providing strong institutional support in areas such as accommodation and food. He praised the structured, student-focused teaching model at DMSF and noted its consistently high FMGE pass rate as a decisive factor in his choice. Currently preparing for the FMGE, Aditya stated he had begun reviewing previous papers and lecture materials, intending to serve India’s healthcare system.

Dr Pankaj Kokate, an MBBS graduate from DMSF and FMGE aspirant, echoed similar sentiments. He viewed the official recognition as proof that Indian students in the Philippines were receiving education on par with Indian standards. Highlighting similarities between the two countries' healthcare systems, Dr Kokate described the Philippines as an ideal destination for Indian medical aspirants. He also emphasised DMSF’s strong FMGE performance, which has consistently remained above 85%. Rohit, a 2023 MD graduate from Bicol Christian College of Medicine, also welcomed the announcement. He shared that the earlier ambiguity had caused deep concern about the legitimacy of his qualification. With the current recognition, he said he could now focus on FMGE preparation with renewed confidence.

Following the CHED announcement, the Indian Embassy in Manila issued a set of guidelines for current and prospective medical students. It advised aspirants to ensure that their pre-medical (BS) degrees are accredited by CHED and adhere to the prescribed structure and duration. Passing the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) was also reiterated as a mandatory entry requirement for MD programmes. Students were further encouraged to consult the latest advisories from both CHED and NMC before applying. As a safeguard against fraud, the embassy urged students to make tuition payments directly to universities and retain genuine payment receipts. To ensure recognition of their degrees and documents in India, students must have their academic records apostilled by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. The embassy emphasised that adherence to these protocols is essential for a smooth academic and professional transition upon returning to India.

Editor’s Note:

The recent confirmation by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines, aligning its Doctor of Medicine (MD) programmes with India’s National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, marks a welcome development for thousands of Indian medical students. This decision brings long-awaited clarity and relief, especially for those who had faced uncertainty due to regulatory differences between the two countries. By recognising the compliance of Philippine MD degrees with NMC’s FMGL Regulations, students are once again eligible to appear for the FMGE and the upcoming National Exit Test, both essential for practising medicine in India. This resolution not only restores academic confidence but also reinforces the importance of cross-border regulatory alignment in medical education.

Skoobuzz believes that institutions and students must stay informed on updated guidelines for professional registration. This highlights how transparent dialogue between governments and educational authorities leads to timely, meaningful outcomes for students.