UP FMGs Protest: Internship Seat Shortage Sparks Crisis

Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) in Uttar Pradesh are staging a significant Protest over the acute shortage of Internship Seats. Hundreds of Uttar Pradesh FMGs are facing career delays despite clearing their licensure exams, highlighting a critical gap in Medical Education in India and compliance with NMC Regulations. The ongoing Medical Internship crisis demands urgent attention.

A pressing issue is gripping the medical fraternity in Uttar Pradesh, as a large number of Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) have taken to the streets to Protest the severe shortage of Internship Seats in the state. Despite successfully clearing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) – or the impending National Exit Test (NExT) – which is a mandatory licensure exam for foreign medical degree holders, these aspiring doctors find themselves in a precarious limbo, unable to complete their crucial one-year Medical Internship as mandated by NMC Regulations. The Uttar Pradesh FMGs are demanding immediate intervention from the state government and the Uttar Pradesh Medical Council (UPMC) to address this critical bottleneck affecting their careers and future contributions to healthcare.

According to the protesting FMGs, while the National Medical Commission (NMC) data indicates that Uttar Pradesh possesses over 2,500 potential Internship Seats for Foreign Medical Graduates, the UPMC has reportedly released only around 800 seats so far. With more than 1,000 FMGs having applied for internships in the state, hundreds are left without an allocation, leading to significant delays and immense mental distress. This disparity between the available capacity and the seats actually released underscores a systemic issue that needs urgent resolution to prevent a loss of valuable medical talent and to uphold the standards of Medical Education in India.

The Grievances of Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs)

The current Protest by Uttar Pradesh FMGs stems from a combination of factors, deeply impacting their professional progression:

• Acute Shortage of Internship Seats: The primary concern is the stark mismatch between the number of qualified Foreign Medical Graduates and the Internship Seats made available. FMGs argue that despite adequate infrastructure and the NMC-stipulated capacity, the state medical council has failed to allocate sufficient positions.
• Prolonged Delays in Internship Commencement: Many FMGs have been waiting for over five months since clearing their licensure exams to commence their Medical Internship. This delay not only impacts their financial stability but also pushes back their eligibility for postgraduate entrance exams like NEET PG, creating a cascading effect on their careers.
• Uncertainty and Mental Stress: The prolonged wait and uncertainty regarding Medical Internship allotment are leading to significant mental stress and anxiety among the Uttar Pradesh FMGs. Many have invested substantial resources in their medical education abroad and are eager to begin their practice in India.
• Concerns over Private Hospital Allotments: While some seats are allotted in private hospitals, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of guaranteed stipends, which creates an additional financial burden on the FMGs. Many would prefer government hospital postings due to standardized stipends and diverse clinical exposure.
• Lack of Clear Communication: FMGs report a lack of transparent communication and clear timelines from the authorities regarding the release of internship seats and subsequent counselling rounds.

NMC Regulations and the Internship Mandate for FMGs

The NMC Regulations for Foreign Medical Graduates, particularly the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) Regulations, 2021, are clear about the requirements. After clearing the FMGE (or NExT), International Students who have obtained their primary medical qualification from outside India are required to undergo a 12-month Medical Internship in an NMC-approved hospital in India. This internship is crucial for obtaining permanent registration to practice medicine in India, ensuring that FMGs gain sufficient clinical exposure and familiarization with the Indian healthcare system.

The regulations also state that FMGs are entitled to the same stipend as Indian medical graduates during their internship, and no additional internship fees can be charged by hospitals. However, the ground reality in Uttar Pradesh, as highlighted by the FMGs Protest, suggests a significant gap in the implementation and adherence to these guidelines, specifically concerning the availability and timely allocation of adequate Internship Seats. This issue is not unique to Uttar Pradesh, with similar challenges reported in other states like Rajasthan and Delhi, underscoring a nationwide concern for Medical Education in India.

The Path Forward: Demands and Potential Solutions

The protesting Uttar Pradesh FMGs, supported by organizations like the Doctor Welfare Federation (DWF), are urging the UPMC and the state government to take immediate and decisive action. Their primary demands include:

• Immediate Increase in Internship Seats: The core demand is to increase the number of Internship Seats to accommodate all eligible Foreign Medical Graduates who have applied and paid the application fees. They point to the NMC data suggesting higher capacity within the state.
• Streamlined and Transparent Allocation Process: FMGs are seeking a more efficient and transparent counselling and allocation process for Medical Internship seats, with clear timelines and regular updates.
• Government Intervention: Given the magnitude of the problem, the FMGs are appealing to the Chief Minister's Office and the State Health Minister for urgent intervention to resolve the crisis.
• Ensuring Stipends: While the immediate focus is on securing seats, the FMGs also hope that authorities will ensure compliance with NMC Regulations regarding stipends for all interns, irrespective of whether they are placed in government or private facilities.

The current Protest by Uttar Pradesh FMGs shines a light on a critical issue within Medical Education in India. The timely and adequate provision of Internship Seats is not just a matter of administrative convenience but a fundamental right for these qualified professionals to begin their careers and contribute to the nation's healthcare needs. The authorities must act swiftly to resolve this impasse and restore confidence among the Foreign Medical Graduates.

For continued updates on this unfolding situation, information on NMC Regulations, and comprehensive insights into Medical Education in India, stay tuned to Only Education or visit to know more.