Why do Indian students opt for studying medicine in foreign universities?

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Dr David K Pillai

Education has always been a priority for our parents. And why not, when over the millenniums it was the source of the knowledge that changed and shaped the course of history in more ways than one. As time passed by, education started gaining popularity and became accessible to everyone. It was no longer confined to a privileged section of society but an unalienable right that needed to be given to every man, woman, and child in this country.

Thousands of students from India go abroad to study medicine, graduating with a medical degree that is valid all over the world. In other words, access to good education is an inalienable right. But with limited medical seats in India, students either stay back and continue their studies hoping to secure one of the coveted colleges. Or they opt for foreign medical education where they can pursue their dreams of becoming a doctor.

Leadingeducationist, and the chairman of the prestigious Kings International Medical Academy, Dr David K Pillai adds that it is no surprise that countries such as the Philippines, China, Russia, Ukraine, UK, Australia, and New Zealand are popular destinations for Indian medical students because these countries offer quality education at comparatively lower costs. Dr. David further adds that the main reason for the students to choose foreign land is the cost of medical education in India. Getting into a foreign medical institute is relatively cheaper than getting into one in India. Plus, fees for a foreign university course are about 20-25 lakhs which is pretty affordable. But the cost of medical education in Indian private medical colleges is up to 1 crore. 

The scope for medicine in India is very large, and the potential doctors who could help bridge the demand-supply gap are equally abundant. However, the problem of affordability is a major deterrent for these students adds Dr. David K Pillai.

According to the chairman of Kings International Medical Academy, Dr. David K Pillai, the healthcare professionals in India are still unable to bridge the gap between the demand for and supply of quality doctors across the country. Secondary school students, who wish to follow the dream of becoming doctors, find it difficult to pay for their expensive medical education. Many students fear that medical colleges in India may have a very high bar to pass for admission. The bar is raised even higher by the government's intervention in the form of competitive exams. It’s time to put this myth to rest. Yes, the Indian government medical colleges have very strict norms, and the students have to pass the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) held by the government of India.

In the medical education world, Dr. David K Pillai enjoys a respectable place owing to his commendable contributions. He adds that apart from the higher cost of medical education, which is inevitable in India, a number of factors are responsible for Indians opting to study medicine abroad. Medical education is of high quality in foreign universities. Top-notch Indian doctors have earlier studied or worked in those countries, which has influenced the young Indian doctors. Foreign medical universities have excellent infrastructure and research facilities. For instance, there are several world-class hospitals associated with foreign universities. Studying medicine abroad is a very rewarding endeavor.

Chairman of Kings International Medical Academy, Dr. David K Pillai, says that studying abroad with a medical degree offers opportunities for students to travel, gain cultural exposure, and meet people from different nations. Students will be able to learn and observe the differences between the way health care is delivered within the home country compared to the host country. Dr. Pillai further adds that studying in a foreign university can make you grow as an individual. It may be challenging and hard at first, but with a little courage, you will succeed. You will speak a new language, respect different cultures, and learn how to adapt to a completely different environment.

Dr. David K Pillai adds that medicine is one of the most challenging courses, requiring meticulous and consistent hard work over many years. Many medical aspirants, due to various factors are unable to pursue the education and hence opt for overseas studies. Kings International Medical Academy (KIMA), India’s renowned and premier FMGE/NEET coaching institute with proficiency in mentoring aspiring medical students for FMGE, is a platform that has been establishing future doctors of India for the last 20 years.

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