FMG Protest Against NMC New 3-year Internship Rule: What It Means for Foreign Medical Students

The National Medical Commission (NMC) of India has recently issued a controversial notice that has led to widespread protests among Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs). This new NMC rule for FMGs says that certificates for online classes won’t be accepted and FMGs must now complete a three-year internship.

This Story also Contains

1. The NMC Notice: What are the rules for FMGE in NMC?
2. The FMG Protest Against NMC 2024
3. New NMC Rule Implications for Abroad Medical Students
4. Understanding the NMC’s 3-Year Internship Rule

Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) in India are facing a tough situation because students who took online classes during their studies must now complete a two to three-year internship instead of the usual one year.

Many FMGs had to take online classes because of situations like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Now, they are clueless because it is surely going to hamper their future plans and career prospects. This unexpected extension of their medical education timeline is not only causing stress and uncertainty but also financial strain, as they have to bear the cost of additional years of training without earning an income.

Check the complete details of the protest, the implications for abroad medical students, and know what is NMC's new three-year internship rule.

The NMC Notice: What are the rules for FMGE in NMC?

Rejection of Compensation Certificates

The NMC's notice states that certificates compensating offline training with online classes will no longer be accepted. This decision was justified because many FMGs were allegedly obtaining these certificates "maliciously" from their parent universities.

Extended Internship Requirement

The notice also mandates that FMGs who attended online classes during their medical studies must complete a two to three-year internship. This is a significant increase from the standard one-year internship typically required.

Also Read: NMC Guidelines for MBBS Abroad

The FMG Protest Against NMC 2024

Causes of the Protest

Several factors have contributed to the strong opposition from FMGs against new NMC rule 2024:

• Extended Duration: The FMGE 2024 new rule extends the duration of medical education for FMGs, making it almost nine years, which includes the standard 5.5 years of MBBS and the additional 2-3 years of internship.

• Financial and Emotional Strain: Students argue that the prolonged internship period will cause significant financial and emotional strain. Many FMGs have already invested substantial resources in their medical education abroad.

Also Read: NEET UG 2024 Result Scam Impact on Studying MBBS Abroad

Voices from the FMG Students Protest Aginst NMC New Rule 2024

Many students are claiming that studying MBBS abroad is already a big challenge for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs). Now, with the new rule of a mandatory 2-3 year internship, their struggles have become even harder. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine were events beyond their control, yet these students are the ones suffering because of them.

FMGs face a lot of unfair treatment in our country. They have to deal with low pass rates, long internships, and poor treatment. This creates a very tough and discouraging environment for them. Instead of making things harder, the National Medical Commission (NMC) could consider banning MBBS programs abroad if they believe these degrees are not good enough.

FMG candidates deserve better treatment and respect. Right now, the attitude towards Foreign Medical Graduates is unfriendly and harsh. There needs to be more compassion and understanding for these students, recognizing their hard work and the difficult situations they have faced. It's important to also focus on their mental health and well-being, providing support instead of adding more challenges.

Dr. Dollar Soni, an FMG from Ukraine’s Sumy State University, expressed his frustration: "I completed my MBBS from Ukraine but had to come back during the war. Now, they want us to do a 2-3 year internship instead of the usual 12 months. This is total injustice to us."

The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) has also written to the NMC, requesting the withdrawal of the notice. Jitendra Singh, the national president of AIMSA, stated that the three-year rule would "hamper FMGs not only mentally but economically too."

Also Read: Beware of Fraudsters While Planning to Study MBBS Abroad

New NMC Rule Implications for Abroad Medical Students

Increased Burden

The new rule imposes a significant additional burden on FMGs. The requirement to undergo an extended internship means students will have to spend more time and resources before they can practice medicine in India.

Impact on Career Planning

The extended internship period could delay career plans for many FMGs, affecting their ability to start practicing and earning as medical professionals. This delay could also impact their opportunities for further specialization and professional growth.

Potential Financial Hardships

With the new rule, FMGs now have to complete a 2-3 year internship, which means spending more time and money before they can start working. This extended period delays their careers and increases their financial burden significantly. Many families are already stretched thin from the cost of studying MBBS abroad, and this extra requirement adds even more pressure.

FMGs often come from families that have invested a lot in their education. The additional years of training mean more expenses, making it hard for these families to manage. This financial strain can be very stressful and can affect the students' mental health and well-being.

Also Read: MBBS Abroad without NEET

Understanding the NMC’s 3-Year Internship Rule

What is the Three-Year Internship Rule?

According to the new NMC notice, FMGs who attended online classes at any point during their studies must:

• Qualify the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE).

• Complete a Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) for a period of two to three years. This internship involves repeating a schedule of 12 months.

Reason Behind the New NMC Rule for FMGs

The NMC has stated that the extended internship is necessary to ensure that FMGs receive adequate practical and clinical training. The commission emphasized that poorly trained medical professionals cannot be allowed to risk the lives of Indian citizens.

Criticisms and Concerns

Critics argue that the rule is excessively meaningless, especially considering the extraordinary circumstances that forced many students to take online classes, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and war. They contend that the rule unfairly penalizes FMGs who had no control over these situations.

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Also Check:

• Medical Licensing Exams after MBBS Abroad

• NMC Approved Medical Colleges Abroad List