The United Kingdom’s vigilant stance against fraudulent nursing certifications has sparked concerns in Ireland, particularly for nurses who obtained their Occupational English Test (OET) certificates through a Chandigarh center between December 2021 and December 2023.
Following the discovery of suspicious activities at a British Multinational Corporation (MNC) involving nurses who acquired OET certificates under dubious circumstances from the Chandigarh center in October 2021, inquiries have escalated. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) has initiated a thorough investigation into the matter, mirroring efforts undertaken by UK authorities.
Notices have been dispatched to approximately 100 individuals by the NMBI, urging those who secured jobs with certificates from the Chandigarh center within the specified timeframe to provide clarifications.
Allegations circulating on social media suggest that certain OET exam centers might have been involved in unethical practices, including the early dissemination of exam questions for a hefty price. Such concerns gained traction following the expulsion of 500 Nigerian nurses from the UK for possessing falsified Computer-Based Test (CBT) certificates last year, which tarnished the reputation of Nigerian nursing professionals.
Now, questions loom over the fate of Indian applicants in Ireland amid fears that those who obtained OET certificates fraudulently may face repercussions. Reports indicate that individuals involved in the scam allegedly paid substantial sums, exceeding twenty lakh rupees each, to intermediaries.
As investigations intensify and notices are issued, the integrity of nursing certifications faces scrutiny, prompting apprehension among healthcare professionals and stakeholders alike.