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Ranchi, June 7, 2025 — Hundreds of Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) doctors in Jharkhand are working without pay, defying clear Supreme Court directives and National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines that mandate equal treatment with Indian Medical Graduates (IMGs). This ongoing crisis has left qualified doctors, who have passed the rigorous Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), struggling to meet basic needs while serving in government hospitals.
Court Orders Ignored, Doctors Left in Limbo
Dr. Kaushal, Media Coordinator of the All FMGs Association, voiced the collective frustration: “It is already obvious that the NMC and Supreme Court have directed the state council to pay stipends, yet they are not taking action on it. We demand immediate action as it has already been seven to eight months of fighting for the stipend in court.”
Despite repeated appeals, FMG interns report a lack of progress. Dr. Keshav Priyanshu, Social Media Head of AIMSA-FMSW, described a bureaucratic maze: “We met the Health Minister after multiple failed attempts to get appointments and were given hope and a verbal assurance that they would look into the matter and process the necessary changes and paperwork, but it would take time. Now, it has been more than a year since this meeting, and we have not received any update except delays and further delays with excuses of paperwork and budget.”
Allegations of Callous Attitude
Perhaps most shocking are the attitudes reported at the highest levels of the Health Ministry. Dr. Keshav recounted an interaction with the General Secretary of the Health Ministry: “He laughingly passed a comment saying yes, we are not giving the stipend and it should not even be given. They are getting the seats; that’s more than enough.”
Such remarks highlight the discrimination FMG doctors face, despite legal mandates for equal treatment. “If the NMC and the Supreme Court have said that FMGs are equally eligible to get the stipend like the IMGs, then why this discrimination?” Dr. Keshav questioned. “We work equally, or rather more than the other interns, yet we receive nothing.”
Financial Burden and Mental Toll
Dr. Asbab Ahsan Abdi, State President of AIMSA-FMSW, underscored the financial strain: “Despite this mandate, we have not received any stipend for the past seven months. Meanwhile, we continue to work an average of 12 hours a day, paying for our own accommodation, food, and other daily expenses.”
FMG interns say they are forced to rely on their families for support, despite holding medical degrees and working full-time in government hospitals. “It is shameful to be an MBBS doctor, clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination conducted by National Board of Examination and still be dependent on your parents for your daily needs financially,” Dr. Asbab added.
Neighbouring States Offer Stipends
The situation in Jharkhand stands in stark contrast to neighbouring states. Dr. Abdi noted, “Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha have already implemented stipend payments for FMG interns. Yet, Jharkhand remains an exception.”
He also criticized the state’s priorities: “Ironically, while the Jharkhand government is allocating Rs 2,500 under the Maiya Yojana for votes, it refuses to compensate doctors who are actively contributing to its healthcare system.”
Calls for Immediate Action
The All FMGs Association is demanding urgent intervention. “Concerned authorities should take immediate action against this complete disregard for Supreme Court and NMC directives,” Dr. Kaushal urged.
As these qualified doctors continue their essential work, risking their health and serving patients, the state’s continued non-compliance with legal mandates raises serious questions about Jharkhand’s commitment to its healthcare workforce and the rule of law.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by EdexLive on June 6, 2025. The views and statements attributed to individuals are as reported in the original source. For the most current and official updates, readers are advised to consult government notifications and court records.
