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New Delhi, July 23, 2025
The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a stern advisory cautioning Indian students against enrolling in undergraduate medical courses at four specific foreign medical institutes in Belize and Uzbekistan.
Institutes Listed in the Warning
The NMC, acting on reports from the Indian Embassy in Mexico and the Eurasia Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, has flagged the following institutions:
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Central American Health and Sciences University, Belize
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Columbus Central University, Belize
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Washington University of Health and Sciences, Belize
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Chirchik Branch of Tashkent State Medical University, Uzbekistan
Reasons for the Advisory
The commission highlighted several serious concerns regarding these institutions, including:
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Inadequate or non-existent university campus infrastructure
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Substandard quality of education and clinical training facilities
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Instances of harassment of Indian students
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Excessive tuition fees and improper fee refund practices upon course withdrawal
The NMC stated these institutes do not comply with Indian medical education standards as outlined in the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021. The commission pointed out that deviations in the following critical aspects may lead to disqualification for registration in India:
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Duration of the course
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Medium of instruction
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Syllabus and curriculum
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Clinical training quality
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Internship or clerkship arrangements
NMC’s Official Stand and Student Advisory
Despite repeated warnings and the FMGL Regulations, 2021, notices issued on August 8, 2023, and November 22, 2024, Indian students are reportedly continuing to enroll in substandard foreign institutes. The NMC has stressed that prospective students, along with their parents, must consult the official advisory available on the NMC website dated May 19, 2025. This advisory provides essential details on recognized institutions, eligibility rules, and necessary guidelines for choosing a foreign medical degree provider.
Failure to adhere to these advisories may result in ineligibility for medical registration in India. The commission strongly urges students to verify whether an institute meets all FMGL requirements before seeking admission, stay updated via official NMC notices, and consult the Indian Embassy in the relevant country for recent decisions regarding institutional recognition or blacklisting1.
Disclaimer
This article is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered official counsel or regulatory advice. Readers are advised to visit the official website of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and consult the latest advisories or reach out to the relevant authorities before making decisions regarding admission to foreign medical institutes. The information herein is based on the latest advisory available as of July 23, 2025. The situation and official guidelines may change; always consult direct sources for the most up-to-date information.
