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The National Medical Commission (NMC) of India has achieved the esteemed World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) Recognition Status for a duration of 10 years, as announced by a press release from the Union Health Ministry. This recognition will empower Indian medical graduates to pursue advanced training and practice in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where WFME recognition is a prerequisite.
With this accreditation, all 706 existing medical colleges now hold WFME accreditation, and any new medical colleges established over the next decade will automatically receive WFME accreditation. This development is set to make India an appealing destination for international students, thanks to our globally acknowledged standards.
Furthermore, the NMC will have the privilege of elevating the quality and norms of medical education in India by aligning them with the finest global practices and benchmarks. This recognition will heighten the international standing and reputation of Indian medical institutions and professionals, foster academic partnerships and exchanges, stimulate continuous progress and innovation in medical education, and nurture a culture of quality assurance among medical educators and establishments.
The World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) is a worldwide organization devoted to enhancing the quality of medical education globally. WFME’s mission is to work towards improved healthcare for all, with its primary goal being the advancement of top-tier scientific and ethical standards in medical education, as stated in the Health Ministry’s press release.
The release also noted that the Education Commission on Foreign Medical Education (ECFMG) serves as the principal body in the United States overseeing policies and regulations related to licensing International Medical Graduates (IMGs). To take the USMLEs and apply for residency, all IMGs must hold certification from ECFMG. This certification typically occurs after completing the second year of a medical program, and before undertaking the USMLE Step 1 examination.
In 2010, ECFMG introduced a new requirement set to take effect in 2024 (originally slated for 2023 but postponed due to COVID). According to this new rule, “beginning in 2024, individuals seeking ECFMG Certification must be a student or graduate of a medical school that is appropriately accredited. Specifically, the school must be accredited by an accrediting agency officially recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).”
The WFME recognition process involves a fee of Rs 4,98,5142 ($60,000) per medical college, which encompasses expenses related to the site visit team, as well as their travel and accommodation. This means that the total cost for all 706 medical colleges in India to seek WFME recognition would amount to approximately Rs 351.9 crore ($4,23,60,000). It is noteworthy that the NMC has extended WFME recognition to encompass all medical colleges under its jurisdiction.
