Getting a medical seat is a dream for so many students and their parents. As the number of medical colleges and seats are limited in India, there is a huge competition and demand for medical education. This might be the reason for looking at China and East European countries for medicine. Some meritorious students may also think that it is better to take a long term coaching for Medical Entrance in India than going to China for MBBS. Coming to the situation of Andhra Pradesh, it is advisable to repeat EAMCET if a student has more than 90 percent marks in Intermediate or +2. If you are determined and really want to go abroad for MBBS, you should first check the quality of education offered by the University or College you have selected. Please remember that those studied MBBS in China and other foreign countries have to clear a tough examination conducted by the Medical Council of India. There are a few good colleges in China and other foreign countries. But one should take decision considering MCI guidelines to practice medicine in India along with the training they will be offered at a particular college in abroad. Here are some more issues relevant to biology students.
1. B. Tech Biotechnology through B.P.C: AICTE has made it very clear that biology students are not eligible to join in B. Tech. / B.E. Biotechnology.
2. Prospects of B. Pharmacy: Job prospects are good for B.Pharmacy students as so many biotech and pharma companies are being set up in the country. Particularly, Andhra Pradesh has number of reputed pharma industries in and around Hyderabad like Dr. Reddys, Divis, Aurobindo, Matrix, Neuland, Natco etc. But students must be careful in selecting the college as many of them lack minimum infrastructure and qualified faculty. One more suggestion is it is always good to go for Post Graduation (M. Pharmacy) after B.Pharmacy to improve your chances of getting a good job. In Andhra Pradesh, separate counseling will be conducted for MPC and BiPC streams for admission to B. Pharmacy course.
3. Alternative to MBBS: There are so many courses like Physiotherapy, Homoeopathy and Ayurveda as alternatives to MBBS. Physiotherapy has been gaining demand slowly and has good opportunities in private sector. Popularity for alternative medicine is growing across the world. You can also start private practice after completing these courses. But you should not expect huge salary packages in initial stages through these careers.
4. B. Pharmacy and running a medical shop: So many students and their parents think that they could end up with running a medical / pharmacy shop after completing B. Pharmacy. One can run a medical shop even without B. Pharmacy degree. There are plenty of opportunities in the industry if you have interest and skills in the subject.