Dinesh Kamath's Editorial (More scope for brain drain?) that was published in Newsband

More scope for brain drain?

To mark the occasion of 'Russia Day', which is the national day of the Russian Federation last month, universities in the country have officially announced admission procedures and scholarship quotas for meritorious Indian students in both medical and engineering courses. If prospective Indian medical students cannot get a seat in their own country, the Russian government presents a unique opportunity for these aspirants to seek admission to the MBBS and post-graduate medical courses in Russian universities.

It is reported that thousands of students from all over India successfully graduate from premier universities in Russia each year and over the last 15-20 years in particular, the number of international students coming to the Russian Federation has risen by leaps and bounds.

For ensuring safety and transparency, the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in India has recognised 'EDURUSSIA' as the authorised admission department of the Russian state and government universities in India and apart from being the authorised information and admission centre, EDURUSSIA also functions as the office of the International Students Department of Russian government universities in India.

Eligibility for admission to the medical courses as per the rules of the Medical Council of India is a 50 per cent aggregate in Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the Class XII Higher Secondary (10+2) level in case of the general category while the requirement for the reserved category student  is 40 percent.

 While the fees for an MBBS course in the Russian Federation would cost about the same as that in India, the crucial difference is that there are no donation/capitation fees in Russia and hence such a course (known internationally as M.D. Physician) would involve a total outgoing of approximately Rs. 12-15 lakhs inclusive of everything such as course fees, accommodation, travel and medical insurance. An Indian student desiring to pursue MBBS degree abroad has to collect an 'eligibility certificate' from the Medical Council of India and needs to complete his MBBS course only from a university recognized by the Indian Embassy located in the destination country. And if a student wishes to return and practise in India, he or she would be required to pass qualifying test known as a screening test. This is a universal rule applicable to all students.

At least over the last 15 years more girls than boys have been enlisting for courses like the MBBS and BDS and post-graduate courses in the Russian Federation. It is a safe and secure environment for students and the living standards there are comparable to the best in Europe.  The advantages of doing an MBBS course in Russia are many and include a huge infrastructure with world class laboratories, libraries, study-rooms, playgrounds and recreational facilities, personalized attention with only 8-12 students per class and a globally practised style of teaching with year-round tests. Indeed, Russia is a tried and tested destination for an Indian student as far as higher medical education is concerned he adds.

Now what is the opinion of the people who complain about brain drain? Hasn’t Russia’s invitation to Indian students to join their universities increased the scope for brain drain?