Date:31/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/31/stories/2006073103170500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Medicine in Ukraine

The high cost of medical studies, increasing competition and limited number of Government medical seats is driving a large number of middle-income group students to opt for foreign medical education. Ukraine's Odessa State Medical University (OSMU) is one such option.

Established in 1900, OSMU has been awarding medical degrees to foreign students since 1946. As lack of education in English was seen as a deterrent for foreign students, the university claims to be the first Ukranian university to introduce English as teaching medium in 1996. At present the university has 4,000 students, of whom 1,200 are from abroad, 500 students from India alone.

The university does not recognise any consultancy firm or agents and works through its State Representatives in India. Medico Abroad, Hyderabad-based consultants for medicine courses outside India is OSMU's representative in Andhra Pradesh. The cost of education at OSMU comes in between 11.5 lakhs and 12 lakhs including living expenses.

The medical graduation course takes six years and a postgraduate course takes another two years. According to Sudhir Dhakre, authorised representative for South and South-East Asia, OSMU, "There has been an increase in the number of Indian students willing to study in OSMU in the last few years. In fact, there has been a 20-30 per cent increase in the number of girls willing to join OSMU in the last five years."

According to Medico Abroad, currently more than 100 students from the State are studying in this university and the number is increasing every year. It claims to be recognised by the Medical Council of India and is a member of the International Association of Universities.