Kathmandu, January 14:

Nepali medical graduates from China today appealed to the government to make necessary amendments in its policy so that the students need not lose a year after completing five-year course.

Manish Roy, who did his graduation from Xianjiaotong University of China, said Nepal Medical Council (NMC) and the government should amend policy regarding ‘pre-internship’ for the students graduating from China.

“If TU has recognised the credit hours of the students who have studied in Chinese medical universities, why should NMC have a problem in accepting students,” said Roy. “There should not be any discrimination among students graduating from foreign countries. The medical students studying in SAARC countries do not have to face such hassles.”

The students, at a press conference organised at the Reporters’ Club, said that the students graduating from China have to work as pre-interns while the NMC’s criteria for pre-internship is needed only for SLC students.

“It is also not applicable for us when all the students have pursued MBBS only after passing 10+2,” said the students.

Dr Somnath Aryal, chairman of the NMC, said every country has its own rules and the students have to abide by NMC rules to get registered with it. Around 400 graduates from China are facing difficulties at present.

The students said that they have to pay Rs 1,000 for pre-internship in the hospitals here for 30 weeks for which neither they get any certificate nor any recognition for their work.

According to Laba Prasad Tripathee, spokesperson at the Education Ministry, this year alone 800 students went to China for medical studies. “Since it is a national problem, it has to be solved.” He said that the government was serious about solving their problem.

“Two rounds of talks have already been held to discuss the problem with the NMC and MoHP and next round of talks will take place tomorrow,” said Tripathee.

Dr Nirakar Man Shrestha, chief health specialist at the Ministry of Health and Population, said that the ministry was seriously considering the problem and would take necessary steps.