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A viral video capturing a West Bengal health official telling desperate Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) to “go to High Court” for internship seats has sparked nationwide outrage, highlighting chronic delays plaguing these aspiring doctors. The confrontation at Swasthya Bhawan in Kolkata underscores a deepening crisis for hundreds of FMGs who cleared the FMGE in June/July 2025 but remain jobless seven months later, unable to start their mandatory one-year internships.
The Viral Confrontation
The heated exchange erupted when FMGs approached state health officials seeking clarity on internship allotments after months of waiting. One student protested, “Only West Bengal has no seat for internship. How is this possible?” The official retorted there were no vacancies and suggested, “Do one thing, go to High Court, put a case, I will respond to it.” When challenged that internships are a “basic right,” the official allegedly dismissed them as “central government” candidates and told them not to “shout here.”
The All FMGs Association (AFA) shared the footage on social media, captioning it: “Such a ridiculous system. We are not demanding anything extra; we just want our internship to start on time.” The video amassed thousands of views, amplifying calls for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s intervention. This incident follows earlier protests where over 150 FMGs visited Swasthya Bhawan in November 2025, only to be turned away due to “no seats.”
FMG Internship Crisis in West Bengal
Foreign Medical Graduates, who complete MBBS abroad, must pass the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) FMGE screening test and finish a one-year Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) for permanent registration with state medical councils. In West Bengal, a June 18, 2025, public notice invited FMGE-passed FMGs for government medical college internships, yet no allotments followed for the June/July 2025 batch.
Reports indicate 170-230 FMGs from this cohort, plus backlog from prior sessions (e.g., 33 from July 2024), await placements amid seat shortages. Seats increased from 188 to 266 in February 2025 with stipends raised to ₹30,855 monthly—matching Indian graduates—but allocations stalled. Students allege contradictory responses from officials like Additional Director of Medical Education Dr. Saugata Bhattacharya, including offers of unpaid internships or year-long waits violating NMC’s two-year completion rule.
NMC Regulations and National Mandate
NMC guidelines, consolidated in 2023, require states to allot FMGs to approved medical colleges for 12-month CRMI, completable within two years of FMGE qualification. A 7.5% quota exists for FMG interns in government colleges, with stipends at par with locals; non-teaching hospitals were allowed temporarily but expired. NMC notices urge states to prioritize FMGs, yet implementation varies, leaving graduates in limbo.
West Bengal’s West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) handles allotments, but delays persist despite NMC directives. AFA claims NMC issued notices for Bengal to provide seats, unheeded by officials demanding proof.
Broader Delays Across India
West Bengal’s woes mirror a national pattern. In Rajasthan, ~100 FMGs face uncertainty over stipends and seats; Tamil Nadu saw hunger strikes demanding quota hikes to 20%; Kerala, Haryana, and Bihar reported similar backlogs resolved only after protests. As of December 2025, states like Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi lagged, with FMGs fearing NEET PG 2026 ineligibility—a one-year loss.
Delays stem from limited seats post-COVID returnees, budget constraints, and decentralized counseling—no national platform exists. PrepLadder notes stipends vary (₹20,000-₹30,000), but payment delays compound issues, as in Maharashtra’s GMC Ambernath where FMGs waited five months.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Kaushal from AFA warned, “Delays waste valuable time… Students cannot appear for NEET PG, adding mental and financial burdens.” He urges NMC for uniform timelines starting internships within two months of FMGE results.
Dr. Sudhanshu Pandey, Uttar Pradesh Doctors’ Welfare Federation President, highlighted similar UP delays: “State medical councils provide no updates,” affecting careers nationwide. Independent experts like those from Education Times note language barriers limit interstate moves, trapping FMGs regionally. No official response from West Bengal Health Department or NMC as of February 2026; AFA demands immediate counseling rounds.
Public Health and Career Implications
These delays withhold ~200-300 trained doctors from West Bengal’s workforce, straining public health amid doctor shortages. FMGs could fill rural gaps, but idleness erodes skills and morale. Careers hang in balance: NEET PG eligibility requires completed internships, delaying specialization by 1-2 years; financial strain hits families post-costly abroad studies.
Practically, FMGs sitting home cannot practice, treat patients, or earn—ironic for degree-holders ready to serve. Balanced view: Officials cite budget/audit issues for 7.5% quota amid Supreme Court stipend mandates, but critics argue poor planning ignores NMC rules.
Limitations and Path Forward
Challenges include no centralized system, state autonomy clashing with national needs, and post-war/COVID FMG surges overwhelming quotas. Counterarguments: States prioritize locals; expansions risk quality. Yet, protests in Bihar/Rajasthan yielded results via multiple counselings— a model for Bengal.
AFA seeks CM intervention; legal action looms per the viral advice. Uniform NMC enforcement could resolve this, enabling FMGs to bolster India’s healthcare sooner.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
References:
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Medical Dialogues. “‘Go to high Court’- Bengal Health official’s remark on FMGs awaiting internship sparks row.” February 3, 2026. https://medicaldialogues.in/state-news/west-bengal/go-to-high-court-bengal-health-officials-remark-on-fmgs-awaiting-internship-sparks-row-163961
