“Each year, thousands of qualified students vie for a restricted number of MBBS and paramedical positions, with many ultimately seeking alternatives beyond India—not due to a deficiency in merit, but rather because of a scarcity of opportunities.”
The recent evacuation of Indian students from Iran, including the majority from Jammu and Kashmir, serves as a gentle reminder of the immense talent and aspiration that exists in the Union Territory. These students, enrolled in Urmia Medical University and pursuing careers in medicine, reflect a growing trend: more and more young people from J&K are turning to foreign universities to fulfill their dream of becoming doctors. This determination is commendable. It showcases a generation of motivated youth eager to serve, to heal, and to contribute meaningfully to society. However, it also brings into focus the growing need for expanding medical education opportunities within Jammu and Kashmir itself. Over the past few years, there has been visible progress. Several new medical colleges and healthcare institutions have been announced and partially established in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions. AIIMS campuses, upgraded district hospitals, and specialized institutes are steps in the right direction. Yet, demand still far outpaces supply. Thousands of capable students compete each year for a limited number of MBBS and paramedical seats, many of whom are left exploring options outside India—not because of a lack of merit, but due to a shortage of opportunities. It is perhaps time to channel our collective energies into scaling up this infrastructure. Establishing more medical colleges, increasing the number of seats, and integrating world-class facilities in remote areas of the region will not only keep our students closer to home but also uplift the broader healthcare ecosystem in J&K.
“With the government’s ongoing emphasis on education, health infrastructure, and youth empowerment, Jammu and Kashmir is strategically poised to emerge as a center for medical excellence. It is time to capitalize on this momentum. By enhancing opportunities locally, we are not merely stopping students from seeking education abroad—we are providing them with compelling reasons to remain, flourish, and take on leadership roles. The issue is not about whether our students are prepared; they are indeed prepared. The true opportunity exists in making certain that our systems are adequately equipped to support them.”
Importantly, the experiences of students studying abroad—whether in Bangladesh, Iran, or other countries—highlight both their resilience and readiness. Many of them adapt to foreign languages, systems, and environments, excelling academically under challenging circumstances. These traits are invaluable and underscore the fact that students from Jammu and Kashmir are not only capable but well-prepared to become globally competitive healthcare professionals. A future-oriented approach would involve supporting this talent through initiatives like dedicated scholarships, seat reservations in emerging medical colleges, and academic exchange programs. Additionally, developing post-graduate and research facilities in the UT can ensure that young professionals have career opportunities without leaving the region. What stands out most is the optimism and dedication of these young people. Their stories—from classrooms in Kupwara to operating rooms in Iran—are not of limitation, but of potential. Their aspiration is not to leave, but to return and serve. And that is the story that needs to be nurtured. With the government’s continued focus on education, health infrastructure, and youth empowerment, Jammu and Kashmir is well-positioned to become a hub for medical excellence. Let us now build on that momentum. By expanding opportunities at home, we are not just preventing students from going abroad—we are giving them reasons to stay, thrive, and lead. Because the question is not whether our students are ready. They are. The real opportunity lies in ensuring that our systems are equally ready to support them.
Shafqat Bukhari
