Uttar Pradesh: KGMU to be centre for MRCS exam

Lucknow: King George's Medical University (KGMU) has entered into an MOU with the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), Ireland to become the first off-shore examination centre in the state for conducting the MRCS (Membership of Royal College of Surgeons) examination. The agreement that becomes operational from September, has come as a boon for those holding an MS degree and wanting to pursue a specialized study of surgery and practice in Ireland.

Martin Cunningham and Emma Scully,a two member team of international coordinators from RCS Ireland,visited KGMU on Tuesday, to oversee arrangements. "Earlier those interested had to go to Bahrain or Ireland to appear for the examination, but KGMU will save the cost for so many applicants by offering the service provisionally from September on wards," said Prof Ravi Kant, Vice Chancellor, KGMU.

Prof Abhinav Sonkar, Head Surgery Department, KGMU and Coordinator on the university's behalf said once applicants qualify the MRCS, they will be eligible to study in colleges under RCS.

"The duration depends on the course but is between five to seven years. After that one can practice in Ireland. The examination centre at KGMU will not be for KGMU alone, but for all MS degree holders across the country and the world," he told the TOI.

After Chennai and Kochi, KGMU, Lucknow is the third available option in India, as an off-shore examination centre for RCSI . Apart from Ireland, Jordan (Amman), Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia are the other countries which house RCSI centers around the world.