Most Ukrainian institutions are expected to begin offering online classes, providing urgent but temporary respite to Indian medical students whose study has been hampered by the country’s protracted conflict. Students stated they received notice of the relocation in the mail from Ukrainian universities.
Despite the fact that Poland, the UAE, Hungary, and the Centre provided assistance to the students, the bulk of them prefers to complete their studies in Ukraine to avoid any future uncertainty over college transfers.
Raifa, a Kerala undergraduate medical student who had been studying in war-torn Syria, is relieved that her lessons will soon begin. “Even if it’s only online, I’m glad there’s some consistency.” “My college emailed me about taking online programs shortly,” she added.
According to students currently in India, the uncertainty about how the course will go, the stalemate-like situation of Indian students pursuing MBBS in China who have been unable to return for the past two years, and the fact that the National Medical Commission does not recognize or approve any medical course conducted solely online – are all contributing to the issue.
Apart from India, which now allows Ukrainian students to complete their internships there, institutions in Poland, Hungary, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries have also opened their doors to this segment.
“Offering considerable aid to Indian medical students evacuated from Ukrainian universities, Gulf Medical University (GMU) is ready to welcome the displaced students with free seats and scholarships based on the university’s merit requirements and admission policies.” This endeavor strives to ensure that affected students’ education is not disrupted,” according to a statement.
Students are not eager to wait for possible internship
The students, on the other hand, are unsure how the transfer system will function and are not eager to wait for possible internship opportunities. Many of them wish to complete their undergraduate studies in Ukraine.
“We don’t want to take any chances with how breaks and course transfers will affect us in the future.” Almost every country has its own set of restrictions when it comes to foreign nationals practicing as doctors or those wishing to pursue post-graduate studies. Another student from West Bengal who did not want to be identified stated, “It’s ideal to finish the entire degree from one country and one university.” Students in their third and fourth years are more concerned about their practical classes, and accept that online classes are only good for theory.
“We don’t think we’ll be returning to Ukraine anytime soon.” Though the institution has provided us with a schedule and lecturers have pledged to assist us with the course, practical classes are essential,” said Vikram Katiyal, a Delhi resident who is a student at a Ukrainian college.
Apart from medical undergraduate students in Ukraine, individuals who have been in India for the past two years as a result of the pandemic in China have also approached the Centre for assistance.
“The government has gone to great lengths to assist Ukrainian students. They have been offered assistance by the Indian government to complete their internship, as well as accommodation by other foreign universities But none of these benefits have been extended to Indian students enrolled in Chinese medical schools. We hope the government will intervene and help them as well,” said Haryana resident Sunil Sharma, whose daughter is studying medicine in China and has been in India for over two years.