In a very significant development, India’s National Medical Commission (NMC) has been awarded Recognition Status by WFME.
According to stats.oecd.org, about 46,000 Indian-trained doctors work today in the US medical system, almost three times that of Pakistan, the next largest source of immigrant physicians.
With the introduction of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)’s Recognized Accreditation Policy in 2010, the continued recruitment of Indian doctors to the US came under threat. At the time, the Medical Council of India (MCI) was the Subcontinent’s medical education accreditation authority – but it was viewed with suspicion as medical schools of questionable quality were popping up all over the country. Allegations of corruption were rampant and in its toxic state, MCI was unlikely to subject itself to the scrutiny of WFME.
Establishment of the new National Medical Commission of India
After protracted legal battles that took nearly a decade, India’s Supreme Court dissolved MCI – which was immediately replaced in September 2020 with the new National Medical Commission (NMC). The new Commission quickly applied for WFME Recognition in order to meet the 2023 deadline.
WFME awarded Recognition to NMC for the full term of 10 years from 2023, ensuring that Indian medical graduates will continue to be eligible to obtain ECFMG Certification, and enter the US Health System.
There are now 39 Accreditation Agencies with WFME Recognition Status representing some 84 jurisdictions. A further 17 countries are in various stages of Recognition.
