Overview:
Since the onset of the Industrial Revolution, control over the Philippines has shifted from Spain to the United States. Consequently, English has become widely spoken alongside the native language. Comprising numerous islands, the Philippines is home to major cities such as Manila and Cebu, with a population of approximately 98 million. Its climate closely resembles that of India.
MBBS education in the Philippines gained popularity among Indian students seeking to avoid the requirement of learning an additional language, as mandated in MCI-recognized medical colleges or universities in European nations like Georgia, Serbia, Russia, or China. This preference stems from the Philippines being an English-speaking country, with over 95% of its population fluent in English. Additionally, the Philippines' temperate climate, unlike the colder climates of European countries, contributed to its appeal. Post the National Medical Commission (NMC) regulations, the MBBS/MD program in the Philippines attained validity due to its divergence from the FMGE Regulation 2021 criteria.
The medical education system in the Philippines typically involves three steps:
1. Completion of a BS program spanning 2-3 years.
2. Successful clearance of the competitive NMAT exam following the BS course.
3. Pursuit of the MD course, which typically extends over 5-1/2 years.
There are numerous advantages to pursuing your MD in the Philippines, some of which are highlighted below:
1. No Language Barrier: Unlike other MBBS destinations such as Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, etc., there is no need to learn a new language. English is the native language of the Philippines, making communication convenient for most students.
2. Entire Course Conducted in English: Similar to India, the entire medicine program in the Philippines is conducted in English, facilitating a smooth learning experience for students.
3. Moderate Patient Inflow: While not as high as in India and China, hospitals in the Philippines witness a moderate patient inflow. This provides ample opportunities for students to gain practical experience through in-house and outpatient exposure, surpassing the standards of many European countries.
4. Availability of Indian Food: Medical colleges in the Philippines offer Indian cuisine, which is popular among Indian students, ensuring familiarity and comfort with dietary options.