Plight of Foreign Medical Graduates in India'

 Letter to the Chairman of the National Medical Commission and the Minister of Health, Government of India:

 Date: May 26, 2025

 To 

The Chairman 

National Medical Commission 

Pocket-14, Sector-8, Dwarka, Phase-1 

New Delhi - 110077 

 

The Honorable Minister of Health and Family Welfare 

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 

Nirman Bhawan, Maulana Azad Road 

New Delhi - 110011 

 

Subject: Urgent Reforms Needed to Address the Plight of Foreign Medical Graduates in India

 Dear Respected Chairman and Honorable Minister,

 I am writing to bring to your urgent attention the critical challenges faced by Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) in India, which highlight a significant gap in our medical education policy. As aspiring doctors who have cleared the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) and complied with existing guidelines, FMGs are grappling with prolonged internship requirements and registration obstacles that have stalled thousands of careers. These issues not only undermine the potential of these young professionals but also hinder India’s healthcare system from benefiting from their expertise.

 The National Medical Commission’s (NMC) directive of July 28, 2022, mandating a two-to-three-year Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) for FMGs, particularly those who completed online education during the COVID-19 pandemic or returned due to geopolitical conflicts (e.g., Russia-Ukraine war), has imposed significant burdens. While the intent to ensure clinical competence is commendable, the retrospective application of this rule penalizes FMGs who adhered to earlier one-year internship guidelines, creating financial strain, career delays, and mental health challenges. Reports indicate that 3,000–5,000 FMGs are affected, with many unable to secure permanent registration or pursue postgraduate studies.

 Compounding this issue are inconsistencies in State Medical Council (SMC) practices. States like Delhi, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu have withheld registration for FMGs with one-year internships, citing the 2022 notice, while others, such as Gujarat and West Bengal, have granted registration and postgraduate eligibility. Domicile-based restrictions and delays in internship allocations (often 5–8 months) further exacerbate inequities. These disparities violate the principle of fairness and hinder FMGs’ integration into India’s healthcare workforce.

 The judiciary has offered some relief, notably the Supreme Court’s April 2024 order mandating equal stipends for FMGs and Indian Medical Graduates (IMGs). However, ongoing litigation in High Courts and the Supreme Court, challenging the extended internship rule, underscores the need for policy reform. The NMC’s efforts, such as recognizing non-teaching hospitals for CRMI and offering one-time relaxations for pandemic-affected students, are steps forward, but they fall short of addressing systemic issues.

 To resolve this burning issue and enable FMGs to contribute effectively to India’s healthcare system, I respectfully urge the following actions:

 1. **Standardize Internship Guidelines**: Issue a clear, non-retrospective policy ensuring that FMGs who completed one-year internships under prior guidelines are eligible for permanent registration. Limit the two-year CRMI to specific cases with transparent criteria.

2. **Ensure Uniform SMC Practices**: Mandate SMCs to adopt consistent registration processes, eliminating domicile restrictions and expediting internship allocations to reduce delays.

3. **Provide Financial Support**: Enforce the Supreme Court’s stipend order across all states and explore loan forgiveness or financial aid programs to alleviate FMGs’ economic burdens during extended internships.

4. **Strengthen Stakeholder Dialogue**: Convene a task force comprising NMC officials, Ministry representatives, FMG associations, and medical bodies like the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) to develop equitable policies.

5. **Support Judicial Resolution**: Collaborate with courts to fast-track pending cases, ensuring rulings balance public safety with FMGs’ rights under Article 14 of the Constitution.

 The plight of FMGs is not merely an administrative issue but a matter of justice and national interest. These doctors, having invested significant resources to serve India, deserve fair treatment to fulfill their potential. By addressing these challenges, the NMC and Ministry of Health can strengthen India’s healthcare system, particularly in underserved areas facing doctor shortages.

I trust that your esteemed offices will prioritize this matter and take decisive action to resolve these issues. I am available to provide further insights or assist in facilitating discussions with affected FMGs.

 Thank you for your attention and commitment to advancing India’s medical education and healthcare.

 

Yours sincerely, 

Dr.C.Srinivasa Raju

CWC member-IMA AP  

9490172569

csrajuent10@gmail.com

 

CC: 

- Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 

- President, Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) 

- Director General of Health Services