The Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow, for training medical graduates in preparatory courses and examinations of MRCP, MRCS and FRCS.
David J. Galloway, president of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow and P. V. Vijayaraghavan, vice-chancellor of Sri Ramachandra signed the MoU shortly before the institution’s 28th convocation on Monday. Sri Ramachandra intends to provide the training required for graduates to take up MRCP, MRCS and FRCS examinations, said Dr. Vijayaraghavan.
‘At their doorstep’
“Graduates have to travel to the United Kingdom and sometimes to countries such as Singapore and Malaysia to take the exam. Now, we are bringing it to their doorstep. Faculty from UK and examiners will come and conduct the exam here,” he told reporters.
The Medical Council of India had reservations about recognising foreign degrees, he said, adding that they have started to recognise foreign degrees such as MRCP, MRCS and FRCS. Medical graduates with these degrees would be inducted directly in the level of assistant professor in recognised institutions. This MoU would enable the faculty members to improve their professional attributes, he pointed out. “We are planning to provide membership/fellowship to faculty members. Graduates can go and work in the UK to get the exposure and experience,” he added. There are plans to provide subsidy for the graduates. The preparatory course costs £250, while the examination costs £900.
Dr. Galloway added that this would facilitate introduction of specialities such as podiatry (foot care) that is not well-developed here.
Addressing the gathering at the convocation, Steve Graham, chief executive officer of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow, said outside of the UK, India was by far the largest community of College Fellowship and Membership. There are over 1,100 Indian Fellows and Members.
“Sri Ramachandra will become the hub and focal point for our Royal College’s activities in Tamil Nadu and south-east India. This will allow both institutions to support delivery of postgraduate healthcare training and assessment across many disciplines,” he said. Sri Ramachandra’s Chancellor V. R. Venkataachalam conferred degrees and distributed certificates to 845 graduates.