Amaravati: Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) in Andhra Pradesh are protesting against the alleged imposition of a three-year internship requirement, which they claim is unjustified and not in line with the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines. The protests, staged at the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council (APMC) office in Vijayawada, also highlighted delays in issuing permanent registration to graduates who completed their internships as early as May 2024.

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Key Issues Raised by FMGs:

1. Delay in Permanent Registration

   • Approximately 150 FMGs who completed their one-year internships in May 2024 have not received their permanent registration, despite applying months ago.
   • This delay has left FMGs unable to apply for counseling, practice medicine, or earn a stipend.
   • The APMC has cited multiple reasons for the delay, including lack of officials and pending clarifications from the NMC.

2. Extension of Internship Duration

   • Allegations suggest FMGs are being forced to undergo 2-3 years of internships due to online classes attended during the pandemic.
   • NMC guidelines, however, specify that FMGs who compensated for online classes with sufficient physical training and passed the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) are eligible for a one-year internship.
   • Despite these guidelines, some FMGs were asked to sign affidavits agreeing to extended internship durations.

3. Impact on NEET PG Aspirants

   • With NEET PG 2025 scheduled for June 15, FMGs fear they will miss the opportunity to apply due to pending registrations.

Support and Reactions:

• The Foreign Medical Students' Wing of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) has extended its support to the protesting FMGs, urging authorities to resolve the issue.
• Dr. Apurv Dalvi, AIMSA-FMGW National Convenor, called for adherence to NMC guidelines and immediate intervention to address the FMGs' grievances.
• On social media, FMGs criticized state medical councils for misinterpreting the NMC’s notice and called for justice.

APMC’s Response:

• Dr. I. Ramesh, APMC Registrar, stated that he would personally present FMGs’ demands to the NMC during a visit to Delhi.

FMGs in Andhra Pradesh are fighting for their right to fair treatment as outlined by NMC guidelines. They demand the immediate issuance of permanent registrations for eligible graduates and rectification of internship allotments for juniors. Resolving these issues is critical to preventing further distress among aspiring doctors and ensuring their timely integration into the healthcare workforce.