BS Course in Philippines not at par with MBBS course in India: NMC.
The BS is a bridging course of Bachelor of Science for candidates wishing to join courses in the fields of science and research in the Philippines, the NMC said, adding that it covers the same subjects of biology as classes 11 and 12 in India.
The National Medical Commission has said that the Bachelor of Science (BS) course in the Philippines cannot be combined with the MBBS course in India as it covers classes 11 and 12 similar to the subjects of biology.
The commission also said that as per the rules, foreign medical qualifications or courses which are not equivalent to MBBS course in India cannot be considered as a qualifying qualification for registration for medical practice in the country.
In a public notice issued on March 25, the National Medical Commission (NMC) said that it has considered representation of students pursuing BS (Bachelor of Science) courses in the Philippines before the publication of Foreign Medical Gradate Licensee (FMGL) Regulations 2021 seeking an exemption or special dispensation.
The NMC said that the BS and the MD courses are two separate degrees in the Philippines.
“BS course cannot be equated/included with MBBS course. Therefore, after the publication of the Gazette Notification dated 18.11.2021 i.e. FMGL Regulations 2021 of NMC, students who have already taken admission in any foreign medical qualification/course which is not equivalent to MBBS course in India cannot be considered as For registration to practice medicine in India,” the commission said.
Whereas, students seeking admission to MD course in Philippines before FMGL Regulations 2021 may be considered, subject to fulfillment of other prevailing eligibility criteria for registration, it said.
The BS course is the pre-medical course in the Philippines, after the completion of which candidates have to appear in the NMAT examination to seek admission to the MD course (graduate or primary medical course being equivalent to MBBS) which is of four-year duration, the commission said.
“The pattern is BS course followed by MD course, however, in the said BS course, the candidates are not being taught pre-clinical subjects like anatomy, biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology etc., rather they are being taught subjects like biology, psychology etc. which is equivalent to class 12th in India. Hence, BS course is a basic degree course prior to the starting of graduate/primary medical course in reference with Indian education,” the NMC said.
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