Indian Student Slams Tashkent Medical Academy as ‘Disaster’; Ministry Refutes Allegations
Concerns Raised by Indian Student at Tashkent Medical Academy Prompt Government Attention
A 21-year-old Indian student at Tashkent Medical Academy (TMA) has recently ignited a significant conversation surrounding the quality of education and living conditions for international students. After publishing an anonymous post on Reddit, the student highlighted serious deficiencies in the educational framework and dormitory standards at TMA, which has since attracted the attention of Uzbekistan’s Minister of Higher Education.
Education Quality Under Scrutiny
The student’s critique, which went viral, detailed several alarming issues. They described a disheartening academic environment where "teachers barely speak English," making comprehension of medical concepts extremely challenging. The student expressed frustration over the reliance on poor-quality translations, alleging that “at times it feels like they’re reading from Google Translate.” They emphasized that instead of focusing on their medical studies, they were compelled to attend extensive English classes, detracting from their primary goal of learning anatomy.
One particularly troubling aspect shared was the inadequacy of the anatomy course, where lectures were merely summaries of textbook material rather than comprehensive teaching. "Professors just point to the textbook and say, ‘learn it yourselves,’" the student lamented. Many classes reportedly get canceled unexpectedly, leading to a chaotic learning atmosphere.
Living Conditions in Question
Beyond educational standards, the student also raised alarms about the state of the dormitories. The conditions described were notably subpar, with claims of infrequent cleaning, leaking pipes, and pervasive mold. They criticized the administration’s lack of responsiveness to student hygiene concerns, stating that “hygiene here is a myth,” and described the dorm for Indian students as “disgusting.”
Issues with Examination Standards
The student also shared their frustrations with the examination process at TMA, which they labeled as a "circus." The exams appeared to prioritize memorization over genuine understanding, relying heavily on pre-set PDF materials. "How are we supposed to become good doctors if no one actually teaches us anything?" they questioned, pointing to a concerning cycle that might cultivate inadequately prepared graduates.
Minister’s Response
In light of the viral post, Minister of Higher Education Kongratbay Sharipov took action by visiting Tashkent Medical Academy. The minister engaged with students, especially those from India, and investigated the academic processes and living conditions firsthand.
Following the discussions, the ministry reported that some students expressed satisfaction with modern facilities and positive interactions with professors. However, the minister acknowledged the need for improvements and directed the university to enhance conditions and amenities for international students.
This incident has sparked broader deliberations on the adequacy of education and support for international students studying in Uzbekistan, as many prospective students eyeing Tashkent Medical Academy may now rethink their choices based on these recent revelations.
