In an unexpected turn of events, three siblings, initially aspiring to run a hospital together in their hometown, now find themselves as consultants aiding students in pursuing MBBS studies abroad. The trio’s shift in career trajectory is a result of their inability to crack the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE), a prerequisite for practicing medicine in India.
Annually, approximately 25,000 Indian students venture abroad for MBBS studies; however, only a fraction manages to secure a license to practice in India. The siblings, Mrinal and others, who continue attempts at the FMGE, have concurrently established a consultancy. Leveraging their familiarity with foreign universities, the trio assists MBBS aspirants in the admission process.
Mrinal, expressing uncertainty about clearing the exam, emphasized the need to avoid sitting idle after investing numerous years in education. The consultancy, collaborating with universities in China, Poland, Georgia, and Uzbekistan, has facilitated over 1,000 admissions in 2023, earning them a substantial ₹4 crore.
Choosing this alternative path, Mrinal contends that their earnings surpass what they could have made as practicing doctors. The siblings plan to further expand their services by opening hostels for Indian students in the countries they operate.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by Indian students abroad, the siblings aim to address issues like the availability and cost of Indian food by establishing hostels with Indian mess facilities. Despite their consultancy, the trio remains transparent with students about the challenges they may face, including the FMGE’s success rate.
Affordability remains a key factor drawing aspirants to foreign universities, considering the steep costs associated with private medical education in India. The siblings’ journey reflects the struggles of foreign medical graduates, often treated differently in India, especially with limited seats available in government colleges.
While the consultancy has received offers for prestigious designations from foreign universities, the siblings have refrained from accepting them as they continue their pursuit of clearing the FMGE.
PTI
