Ukraine-Returned Medical Students Stage Hunger Strike, Demand Admission In Indian colleges

On February 24, Russia conducted a "special military operation" against Ukraine, a neighbouring nation. A significant portion of Indian students had to be evacuated after their colleges closed as a result of the effects of this conflict, which were felt in a number of different areas. They had been promised housing and seats in Indian institutions in the past. But they are still waiting for their seats.

After Russian forces launched an offensive against the eastern European nation, thousands of Indian students who were enrolled in medical schools all throughout Ukraine were forced to drop out of their education and return home. These Students protested in Jantar Mantar last month and had also addressed a letter to PM Modi but in vain.

According to the students, there are roughly 12,000 students overall, excluding those who are in their final year, and because there are at least 600 medical colleges in the nation, each one needs to have room for about 20 students.   These students have now been on hunger strike for five days in Delhi, pleading with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accommodate them in Indian educational institutions temporarily, as per reports.

Ukraine-Returned Medical Students Stage Hunger Strike:

These students have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in order to rescue their future, citing depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Muhammad Akil Raza, a third-year student in Ukraine, said, "I request the government to accommodate us in India. The government should help us. We have high hopes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

Parents of the students were also present during the protest at Ramlila Ground, which started on July 23 and will last till July 27. A parent added, "These students left behind everything as they were transported out of Ukraine in the midst of war. We will not send them back. We request the government to help them get admitted to a medical college."

Moreover, according to official sources, around 40,000 students who were studying medicine in China and Ukraine have returned due to the conflict and coronavirus outbreak. While China has permitted students to return and finish their studies there, the situation in Ukraine is still unclear.

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The National Medical Commission (NMC), however, has refused permission to transfer or accommodate any foreign medical students at any Indian medical college or university, the Center notified the Lok Sabha on July 22.

In addition, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has asked PM Modi to make accommodations for the remaining MBBS courses for students in Indian medical colleges by an "appropriate disbursed distribution."