The Embassy of India in Manila issued an important advisory on 22 February 2022 for Indian medical aspirants planning to study medicine in the Philippines. The advisory cautioned students and parents to carefully evaluate their options before enrolling in medical programs abroad, particularly in light of ongoing regulatory uncertainties regarding recognition of foreign medical degrees. (www.ndtv.com)

At the time, there were reports suggesting amendments to the Philippine Medical Act of 1959 that might benefit Indian students, including claims that graduates could register and practice medicine in the Philippines. However, the Embassy clarified that no official communication had been received from the Philippine Government confirming such changes. (www.ndtv.com)

The advisory highlighted that students should be cautious about misleading information and should not base decisions solely on unverified reports or messages circulating online. Indian aspirants and their families were urged to verify all course details directly with the appropriate Philippine authorities and educational institutions to avoid financial loss or professional uncertainty in the future. (Free Press Journal)

Key Advisory Highlights

• Embassy warns Indian students to thoroughly assess medical education options in the Philippines. (www.ndtv.com)

• Clarifies no official amendment to the Philippine Medical Act had been confirmed that would automatically benefit Indian students. (Free Press Journal)

• Students and parents are advised to verify eligibility, recognition status, course duration, and regulatory compliance directly with institutions. (www.ndtv.com)

• Advisory helps avoid financial loss and professional uncertainty due to misunderstandings about regulatory changes. (Free Press Journal)

• The Embassy of India in Manila issued an advisory for Indian medical aspirants planning to study MBBS or equivalent courses in the Philippines.

• Students and parents were advised to carefully assess all aspects before taking admission in medical programs in the Philippines.

• The Embassy clarified that no official confirmation had been received regarding any amendment to the Philippine Medical Act, 1959 that would automatically allow Indian students to practice medicine in the Philippines.

• Aspirants were cautioned against misleading information, rumours, or unofficial claims circulating online or through agents.

• Students should verify recognition, eligibility, course duration, internship structure, and regulatory compliance directly with the concerned Philippine universities and authorities.

• The advisory emphasized that decisions should not be made solely based on unverified reports or assurances.

• The Embassy highlighted the risk of financial loss and future professional uncertainty if due diligence is not carried out.

• Parents and students were encouraged to take informed decisions keeping in mind Indian medical regulations and licensing requirements.