MBBS in the Philippines: NMC Guidelines and the 1959 Medical Act Amendment of 2022 Explained

• Is It Safe to Study in the Philippines in 2025? Let’s Check the Facts—Not Just Blind Opinions.

With increasing interest among Indian students in pursuing MBBS in the Philippines, it’s essential to make informed decisions based on verified data, updated regulations, and real experiences—not just hearsay. In this guide, we’ll explore how the Philippine medical education system complies with NMC’s latest guidelines, how recent legal amendments are strengthening opportunities for foreign students, and whether the Philippines remains a safe and promising choice for medical education in 2025.

MBBS in the Philippines and NMC Guidelines

Indian students aspiring to pursue MBBS (MD) in the Philippines must know that the medical program is aligns with the 2021 National Medical Commission (NMC) of India’s guidelines of FMGL Regulations, which regulate the recognition of foreign medical degrees for practice in India.

• The NMC 2021 guidelines require medical degrees to have a minimum of 54 months of academic study, followed by a 12-month compulsory internship, totaling 66 months of training.
• The Philippine MD program is designed similar to the American medical education system and complies with this structure, offering a 4.5 years (54 months) academic curriculum plus a 1-year internship.
• This compliance makes it easier for Indian students to clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the upcoming National Exit Test (NExT) and practice medicine in India.
• BS/PreMed is only required for the Philippines law to get the student to get admitted to medical school.

The 1959 Medical Act and Its 2022 Amendment in the Philippines

The Philippine Medical Act of 1959 is the fundamental law that governs medical education, licensing, and the practice of medicine in the Philippines. It established the framework for medical schools, physician licensure exams, and regulatory bodies.

Furthermore, the 2022 amendment to the Philippine Medical Act of 1959 (Republic Act No. 2382) has been officially enacted into law. The House of Representatives approved House Bill 10145, which repeals and replaces the outdated Medical Act, now allows foreign medical graduates from Philippine medical schools to register and practice medicine in the Philippines. This law is yet to be approved by Senate, the delay is due the recent elections in the Philippines. 

• In 2022, this act was amended to modernize and strengthen the regulation of medical education and practice.
• The 2022 amendment introduced stricter standards for medical schools to enhance the quality of education, updated curriculum requirements, and reinforced clinical training and internship standards.
• These changes ensure that medical graduates from the Philippines meet internationally accepted competency standards, improving their global recognition and acceptance.
• For international students, especially from India, this amendment reassures that Philippine medical degrees are credible, rigorous, and fully compliant with evolving global medical education standards.

Highlighting the main points: Studying MBBS in the Philippines offers Indian students an affordable, quality education that aligns with NMC’s guidelines (54 months study + 12 months internship), making it a recognized pathway to practice medicine in India. The 1959 Medical Act amendment of 2022 strengthens the Philippine medical education system, ensuring globally competitive training and reinforcing the value of your medical degree.

Furthermore 

Step-wise Explanation of the 2022 Amendment to the Philippine Medical Act of 1959 (Republic Act No. 2382)

Step 1: Background

• The original Philippine Medical Act of 1959 established the framework for medical education, licensing, and practice of medicine in the Philippines.
• Over time, medical education standards and global practices evolved, necessitating an update to this law.

Step 2: Introduction of the Amendment (House Bill 10145)

• In 2022, a new bill (House Bill 10145) was introduced to repeal and replace the outdated 1959 Medical Act.
• The goal was to modernize and strengthen medical education regulation and healthcare practice standards.

Step 3: Modernization of Medical Education

• The amendment sets stricter standards for medical schools to improve the quality of education.
• Curriculum requirements were updated to align with internationally accepted medical education standards.
• Clinical training and internship programs were reinforced and standardized to better prepare students for real-world practice.

Step 4: Recognition of Foreign Medical Graduates

• One of the key changes is allowing foreign medical graduates from Philippine medical schools to register and practice medicine in the Philippines.
• This aims to attract and retain more qualified doctors, including international graduates, boosting healthcare services.

Step 5: Regulatory Updates

• The amendment strengthens the powers and responsibilities of the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine for better governance and enforcement.
• It establishes clearer protocols for medical licensure examinations and physician practice regulations.

Step 6: Alignment with Global Standards

• The law emphasizes compliance with global competency standards to ensure Philippine medical graduates are competitive internationally.
• This improves the recognition and acceptance of Philippine medical degrees worldwide.

Step 7: Status of the Law

• The House of Representatives approved the 2022 Amendment to Medical Act of 1959, on December, 13, 2024 with a majority vote of 188 out of total 191 votes. This is a huge success for students wanting to study medicine in Philippines.
• However, it is currently awaiting final approval by the Senate due to legislative delays such as recent elections.

In short: The 2022 amendment to the Philippine Medical Act of 1959 updates medical education and practice laws to ensure higher standards, global competitiveness, and inclusivity of foreign-trained graduates. Once fully approved, it will modernize the healthcare landscape in the Philippines and benefit both local and international medical students and practitioners.