Many Indian students who aspire to pursue their career in medical studies are attracted towards countries like China, Russia, Ukraine, Philippines and Nepal, due to their economical medical courses. Students who cannot afford the exorbitant cost of private medical education in India and are unable to make it to the limited seats in government medical colleges are flocking to foreign countries. Cheap medical education in countries like China, Russia, Ukraine, Philippines and Nepal are compelling many Indians to pursue their education in these nations.

It is estimated that over 9,000 students leave India each year for medical education abroad, with China the most popular destination followed by Russia and Ukraine. The number is steadily increasing, up from about 2,500 in 2004 and 4,500 in 2006, according to a study. However, the percentage of students who clear the screening test, which is mandatory for foreign medical graduates (FMGs) to be allowed to practice in India, has hovered around 25 percent. Last year, it touched 28 percent with 4,000 of 14,000 students entering the Indian Health System after clearing the screening test for foreign medical graduates.

It has become increasingly difficult to become a doctor in India. Limited government seats and towering costs of private medical college seats are forcing medical students to head abroad and pursue their medical courses leaving the private institutes high and dry, with expensive empty seats and hardly any students to take them.