MP High Court Seeks Centre's Reply on Ukraine MBBS Student's Challenge to Same-University Internship Rule

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has sought the Union Government's response to a petition challenging application of the 2021 Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations to an Indian student enrolled at a Ukrainian medical university.

Background

The petitioner argues that the requirement of a twelve-month internship in the same foreign medical institution has become practically impossible because of the continuing Russia-Ukraine war.

Legal issue and Court's reasoning

He entered Ukraine and paid university fees before the regulations came into force on November 18, 2021, but formal classes began in December. The NMC has taken the position that the later class commencement date brings him within the 2021 framework.

The petition relies on the transitional provision protecting candidates who were already pursuing foreign medical education before commencement of the new rules. It also challenges the same-institution internship requirement and related provisions as unconstitutional in their application to students displaced by war.

Result and practical consequence

The case therefore raises both a cut-off-date question and the practical consequences of applying a regulatory condition where return to the original institution may be unsafe or impossible.

The Union has been granted time to respond. The matter is listed for October 29.