500 Sri Lankan students pursuing MBBS at Kursk State Medical University in Russia

by Sanath Nanayakkare

About 500 Sri Lankan students interested in establishing themselves as medical doctors are currently pursuing their MBBS medical degree programme at Kursk State Medical University in Russia, The Island learnt recently.

“This six-year degree programme recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) is also recognized by the relevant authorities across the world. Therefore, on successful completion of the programme, it gives Sri Lankan graduates the opportunity of starting their post-graduate studies for preferred specializations, or practice medicine in a country of their personal choice”, Dr.Lasantha Amarakoon – Chairman of REC Campus said.

He made these comments at a get-together and Alumni of Kursk State Medical University Russia held on 29th of April at REC Campus in Nugegoda. The momentous occasion was participated by the Rector of Kursk State Medical University in Russia, Prof.Viktor Anatolyevich Lazarenko and Dr.Mohamad Chahine – Director IMI of Kursk State Medical University (KSMU) and honorary consul of Sri Lanka in Kursk region Russia.

Ms.Natalia Kulshenko – Senior Officer of Russian Center in Colombo and a group of Sri Lankan doctors belonging to Kursk State Medical University’s Alumni Association were notable dignitaries at the event.

Dr.Mohamad Chahine said, “The University has an alumni of more than 1,000 Sri Lankan graduates from the past years and we came to Sri Lanka to commemorate their student life in Russia and have a discussion on comfortable and safe conditions for employment of doctors in Kursk Region,”

The event also saw the offering of the Award of Excellence to REC Campus by KSMU for the service it has rendered to the field of education in Sri Lanka.

“We have been collaborating with REC Campus for more than 20 years and they are our official representative in Sri Lanka. Once a student comes to REC Campus, he or she doesn’t have to worry about anything because the Campus handles the documentation process, conducts free language and pre-medicine classes, assists in the visa process and conducts the pre-departure programme to guide students about the process in the airport. REC Campus takes the responsibility of its students until up to the completion of their degree programmes. The most important factor is that they guide the students after the completion of their MBBS degree to move on to post-graduate studies in their preferred area, or begin their career as doctors,” Dr.Mohamad Chahine said.

When asked how encouraging are the numbers of Sri Lankan students enrolling KSMU over the years, he said,” We are happy to say that there are hundreds of Sri Lankan students joining KSMU every year. Due to the recognition of this degree and the excellent services given by REC campus, KSMU has become the university with the largest Sri Lankan student population in Russia.”

Talking about the university he said,” KSMU is specialized in the healthcare education; we offer programmes such as Medical, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical among many others. We are proud of our international reputation in teaching and scientific research. There is a unique atmosphere on campus which gives students the opportunity to broaden their horizons within a safe and exciting environment. By the time a student graduates, he or she will leave this university with not only a world-class qualification, but also with friends that they would like to network with for lifetime.”

“Interestingly, there are plenty of Sri Lankan graduates who prefer to continue their post-graduate studies or find employment in Russia. Currently, some of the Sri Lankan graduates work in hospitals in Russia and some of them have joined the academic panel of KSMU as well. Overall, Russia is a great destination for international students to study, work and obtain permanent residency status quite easily,” he noted.

Prof.Viktor Anatolyevich Lazarenko and Dr.Mohamad Chahine met with Sri Lankan authorities at the Ministry of Health during their stay where they discussed further development of the health sector in Sri Lanka.

“Russia has been collaborating with Sri Lanka for many years helping to enhance its education, trade and the economy. The discussions we had with the Sri Lankan Minister of Health would help further strengthen the bond between the two countries,” they said.