The National Exit Test (NEXT) serves as both the national medical postgraduate test and the licentiate exam required for students and MBBS aspirants to obtain the "Dr" title. The Indian central government introduced the National Medical Commission Bill in 2019, which included the implementation of this test. The NEXT test will replace the FMGE and NEET-PG exams and is scheduled for launch in the coming years, mostly in 2024. This article primarily highlights the advantages and focus on equity concerning the National Exit Test.
The National Exit Test (NEXT) offers several advantages:
Comprehensive Testing: NEXT eliminates the need to take the NEET-PG test separately, streamlining the process for medical postgraduate aspirants.
Enhanced Equality: NEXT ensures equal opportunities for all individuals to secure postgraduate seats in the medical field.
Revealing Abilities: By evaluating candidates through a single national test, NEXT can effectively identify both strengths and areas needing improvement in individuals, providing valuable feedback for further development.
Reduced Ambiguity: The implementation of NEXT reduces confusion and uncertainty, providing clarity to students regarding the medical postgraduate entrance process.
While NEXT offers significant benefits, it also has some drawbacks:
Rigorous Preparation: Due to the comprehensive nature of NEXT, aspiring candidates must invest considerable effort in studying each subject thoroughly and building a strong conceptual foundation.
Limited Attempts: NEXT allows only two attempts, which can add pressure on candidates, as they have limited chances to improve their scores.
Reserved Quota: The allocation of 50% of the seats may limit the number of open merit seats available to candidates, impacting their chances of securing a postgraduate seat.
Delayed Internship: Until passing the NEXT exam, candidates may face restrictions on working or serving as interns, potentially delaying their career progression in the medical field.
After seeking input from physicians, associate professors, and students, it became evident that their perspectives on the matter varied significantly. The arguments in favor of combining Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) and Domestic Medical Graduates (DMGs) under the National Exit Test (NEXT) can be summarized as follows:
Initially, integrating FMGs and DMGs under NEXT would address the current disparity where FMGs need to pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to practice medicine in India, while DMGs are exempt from this requirement. This exemption grants DMGs an unfair advantage, as they are not required to demonstrate their competence through an equivalently challenging exam.
It would level the playing field for all medical graduates,be simpler for FMGs to practice medicine in India if DMGs and FMGs were combined under the auspices of NEXT.
Dr.Ranjan, MD Medicine
Secondly, bringing both FMGs and DMGs under the umbrella of NEXT would simplify the process for FMGs to practice medicine in India. The FMGE is known to be a highly difficult exam, leading to many competent FMGs being unable to pass it. By unifying the testing system, India can benefit from the skills and expertise of competent FMGs who were previously excluded from practicing, thus preventing the loss of valuable medical professionals.
Lastly, by amalgamating FMGs and DMGs under NEXT, India can address its shortage of doctors and enhance the quality of healthcare services. Currently, some practicing doctors in India may lack adequate training. Including more competent FMGs would increase the pool of certified doctors, leading to improved healthcare access and standards for all Indians.
Some people fear that if NEXT were to replace the FMGE, the levels of medical education would decline, which would have a detrimental effect on the standard of healthcare in India. Some individuals are concerned that grouping DMGs and FMGs under NEXT would make it harder for DMGs to get employment. The Indian medical system now favors DMGs, and many companies are hesitant to recruit FMGs. Some individuals are concerned that DMGs would be at a disadvantage if they were to compete with FMGs for the same positions.
It would be really difficult for us FMG's to get an internship in India. Since NEXT would be a comprehensive exam so we would need to have our concepts and clinical skills strong and clear.
Adit, Medical Student
However, as per the latest news from the ministry NEXT exam is deferred and students have been asked to prepare for NEET PG and FMGE till further notice.
The merging of FMGs and DMGs under NEXT presents a nuanced situation with both positive and negative aspects. Finding a straightforward solution to this complex issue is challenging. It is essential to carefully evaluate the potential benefits, fairness concerns, and equity issues associated with the advantages and factors in question. The outcome of this decision could significantly influence the future of medical education and healthcare in India, making it a crucial matter that demands thorough examination. Furthermore, the perspectives of approaching physicians should also be taken into account during the assessment process.
Follow the Author on MedBound: Arpita Meher (@meherarpita)
