The National Medical Commission (NMC) of India has achieved recognition from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). This recognition opens doors for Indian medical graduates to pursue postgraduate training and practice in various countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Notably, all 706 existing medical colleges in India will gain WFME accreditation. Furthermore, this accreditation will extend to any new medical colleges planned for establishment in the next 10 years.
Aside from allowing worldwide mobility for medical professionals, WFME recognition for the NMC is expected to raise the quality and standards of medical education in India. This accomplishment brings Indian medical education in line with worldwide practices and benchmarks.
Furthermore, this milestone is expected to enhance India’s appeal as a destination for international students. It will promote academic interactions and exchanges, as well as continuous advancements and innovations in medical education.
The ministry also announced on X (formerly twitter), that the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) Recognition status has been given for a period of 10 years.
The press release available in the Press Information Bureau website reads,
“The National Medical Commission (NMC), India, is proud to announce its momentous achievement of being awarded the coveted World Federation for Medical Education recognition status for a remarkable tenure of 10 years. This prestigious recognition is a testament to NMC’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards in medical education and accreditation.”
The National Medical Commission (NMC) is the statutory authority entrusted with the oversight of medical education and the regulation of medical professionals in the country. The institution came into existence through the National Medical Commission Act of 2019, effectively supplanting the former Medical Council of India (MCI). The NMC was officially established on September 25, 2020.
Comprising 33 members, the NMC’s composition is diverse, including representatives from the central government, state governments, medical colleges, and the medical community at large. Leading this body is a full-time chairperson, appointed by the central government, who presides over its functions and responsibilities.
With NMC being accredited by the WFME, all the Indian medical students are now eligible to apply to the Education Commission on Foreign Medical Education and United States Medical Licensing Examination.