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New Delhi, May 15, 2025 – The Supreme Court of India has issued notices to the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Central Government, seeking their response to a petition challenging the extended internship requirements imposed on Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs). This move comes amid growing concerns from FMGs who faced disruptions in their medical studies due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Background of the Case
The petition, filed by the Association of Doctors and Medical Students, argues that FMGs who returned to India during the pandemic or the war and subsequently completed their education and internships abroad are being unfairly required to repeat extended internship periods in India. The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih, has granted the Centre and NMC six weeks to file their responses.
The Petitioners’ Arguments
Represented by Senior Advocate P V Dinesh, the petitioners clarified that their plea is limited to FMGs who returned to countries like Ukraine or China to finish their studies and have already completed internships overseas. According to the current regulations, FMGs who returned to India during their final year must now undergo two years of internship in India, while those who returned earlier are required to complete three years.
The petitioners contend that this “blanket requirement imposes undue hardship” and fails to account for the individual training already completed by these graduates. They have requested that the NMC direct state medical councils to assess practical training deficiencies on a case-by-case basis, rather than imposing uniform requirements.
Suggestions for a Fairer System
The plea proposes that FMGs be allowed to demonstrate completion of practical requirements through certificates from their parent institutions or by attending compensatory practical classes in Indian medical colleges. The petitioners also referenced the Supreme Court’s April 29, 2022, directive, which called on the NMC to create a special scheme for FMGs affected by the pandemic and the Ukraine war to complete their clinical training in India.
What’s Next?
The Supreme Court will revisit the matter after receiving responses from the Centre and the NMC. The outcome could have significant implications for hundreds of FMGs seeking to practice medicine in India.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information as reported by Medical Dialogues on May 15, 2025. The case is ongoing, and the final outcome may differ as the Supreme Court and relevant authorities continue their deliberations. Readers are advised to consult official sources or legal professionals for the most current updates.
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