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New Delhi, May 6, 2025: Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) across India have appealed to the National Medical Commission (NMC) to implement a uniform timeline for internship registration and streamline the documentation process. The All FMGs Association (AFA) highlighted the significant delays and bureaucratic hurdles FMGs face, which stall their career progression and contribute to workforce shortages in the healthcare sector.
Internship Delays Cause Career Roadblocks
Currently, FMGs must clear the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) before starting a mandatory internship ranging from one to three years. Only after completing this internship can they register with respective State Medical Councils to practice medicine.
However, FMGs report waiting periods of 6 to 8 months before beginning their internships in several states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Dr. Kaushal of AFA explained, “These delays waste valuable time. Students cannot appear for the NEET PG exam during this period, and after internship, it takes an additional 1-2 years to clear the postgraduate entrance exam. The registration process itself can take 4-5 months.”
For example, FMGs who cleared the FMGE in January may only receive internship notices as late as June or July, effectively losing half a year. This delay pushes their eligibility for NEET PG exams by years, impacting their professional growth and financial stability.
Call for Better Coordination and Uniform Guidelines
The AFA has urged the NMC to issue standardized guidelines mandating internships to start within two months of FMGE results. They also called for improved coordination between NMC and State Medical Councils to avoid bureaucratic bottlenecks.
In a recent statement on X (formerly Twitter), AFA emphasized:
“Delays in internship allocation stall FMGs’ careers and add mental and financial burdens. A streamlined process starting internships within two months of FMGE results will enable FMGs to contribute sooner to India’s healthcare system. NMC can enforce uniform timelines and documentation standards to eliminate these hurdles.”
NMC Cites Verification Process as Cause of Delays
Responding to concerns, NMC Chairman Dr. B.N. Gangadhar acknowledged the challenges but explained that delays are primarily due to the thorough verification process required for FMGs who have studied abroad. “Each State Medical Council carefully evaluates the candidates’ credentials to ensure authenticity. The delay may be related to verification logistics,” he said, urging FMGs to be patient as the system works to maintain standards.
Ongoing Issues with Permanent Registration
Medical Dialogues has previously reported on FMGs facing delays in obtaining permanent registration even after completing internships. For instance, around 150 FMGs in Andhra Pradesh who finished their internships in May are still awaiting permanent registration, risking their participation in upcoming NEET PG exams.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information available as of May 6, 2025, sourced from Medical Dialogues and statements from the All FMGs Association and the National Medical Commission. The situation regarding internship timelines and registration processes for Foreign Medical Graduates may evolve. Readers are advised to consult official NMC notifications and State Medical Councils for the most current updates.
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