The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 150 MBBS seats for each of Government Kilpauk Medical College and Thoothukudi Medical College, which is a promising step for aspirant medical students in Chennai. However, much to the amazement of college administrators and the medical community, this approval is only good for a year. Despite being one of the oldest universities in the city, it is still unknown why the clearance time was shortened. Let’s discuss the consequences for these renowned medical institutes as we dig deeper into this news.

Chennai’s Esteemed Medical Colleges

Government Kilpauk Medical College (GKMC)

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 150 MBBS seats for each of Government Kilpauk Medical College and Thoothukudi Medical College, which is a promising step for aspirant medical students in Chennai. However, much to the amazement of college administrators and the medical community, this approval is only good for a year. Despite being one of the oldest universities in the city, it is still unknown why the clearance time was shortened. Let’s discuss the consequences for these renowned medical institutes as we dig deeper into this news.

Thoothukudi medical college  hospital 

Thoothukudi Medical College and Hospital, which was founded in 2000, has made a substantial contribution to Chennai’s healthcare system. It is associated with The TamilNadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, just like GKMC. It was initially approved by the NMC for 100 MBBS seats, and an additional 50 seats have since been granted. Undoubtedly, this change will open up additional opportunities for aspirational medical students to accomplish their goals.

The Approval Mysteries: A Single Year

Even though these medical colleges have received praise and have been there for a while, the NMC’s choice to approve them for only one year is puzzling. According to official sources, the NMC did not offer any justification for shortening the clearance term from the typical five years. The pressure to reapply for accreditation the next year as a result of this abrupt change imposes more administrative work and uncertainty on the institutions’ operations.

Issues with the Aadhar-enabled Biometric Attendance System Reports contend that the approval period may have been impacted by the NMC’s displeasure with the Aadhar-enabled biometric attendance system’s deployment during a recent inspection. According to sources at Kilpauk Medical College, the NMC gave the college specific instructions to produce a compliance report following the inspection. After that, a fictitious hearing was held, and the proposal was approved. Officials contend that practical challenges prevent the effective application of this method. They draw attention to the lack of provisions for academics to take unpaid time off and complain that the implementation of the NMC failed to take into account the difficulties faced by many medical institutions.

Recognition Withdrawals from the Past

In a similar development, the Aadhaar-based biometric attendance system and camera footage flaws caused three medical colleges in Tamil Nadu to lose recognition for 500 MBBS seats. The de-recognition of Government Stanley Medical College Hospital and Government Dharmapuri Medical College was later retracted after the NMC corrected its error. For the following five years, these institutions are once again respected. This illustrates the NMC’s willingness to review its choices when pertinent issues are brought forth.

Future Approvals and Counselling Officials have promised that the State will gradually secure approvals for additional medical schools, ideally prior to the start of MBBS counselling and BDS seats. The authorities are working hard to ensure a smooth admission process for the upcoming academic year even though Government Stanley, Dharmapuri, and Trichy medical colleges are still awaiting final sanction.

.

The National Medical Commission’s (NMC) Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) recently made a big step towards streamlining the admissions procedure for the MBBS programme in India. The UGMEB has instructed medical universities to follow a stringent deadline for MBBS admissions in order to guarantee the timely start of the academic year and maintain the quality of medical education. This article examines the ramifications of this choice and how it will affect students pursuing careers in medicine and the educational system as a whole.

The Importance of Setting a Deadline

The early admission of students is essential for a successful academic year in the field of medical education. The MBBS admissions deadline adds much-needed structure to the application process. It facilitates the scheduling of admissions at universities and guarantees that the first professional year of the MBBS programme begins on or before August 1 of each year.

The Role of the NMC in Regulating Medical Education

The National Medical Commission (NMC) is India’s top administrative organization in charge of overseeing medical education. It establishes the requirements, specifications, and curriculum for undergraduate and graduate medical programmes. The NMC is attempting to modernize medical education and bring it in line with international norms using the recently released CBME curriculum.

The New Directions: Deadline and Admission Timing

The UGMEB has instructed medical universities to make sure that there are no MBBS admissions after August 30 of the relevant academic year, under the control of the NMC. The integrity of the admissions process must be upheld by adhering to this stringent deadline in order to prevent delays in the start of the academic year.

Consequences of Admitting Students After the Deadline

The NMC has issued a warning that students enrolled after the admissions window has closed risk being dismissed from their course of study, underscoring the importance of meeting the deadline. Additionally, the National Medical Commission may not recognise any medical credentials earned by such students. Institutions that continue to admit students after the deadline will also likely face consequences.

The CBME Curriculum: A Step Towards Modernization

A substantial change in medical education has recently been made with the introduction of the CBME (Competency-Based Medical Education) curriculum. Along with theoretical knowledge, it places a strong emphasis on the development of competences and abilities required for a medical graduate. The new curriculum emphasizes professional development and ongoing progress while outlining clear goals and objectives for students.

Phase-wise Training and Time Distribution

For MBBS students, the CBME curriculum outlines a phase-wise training strategy. It outlines how training sessions and class hours are distributed throughout the course. This organized method guarantees thorough subject coverage and gives students a well-rounded medical education.

Competencies and Objectives of the MBBS Curriculum

For each year of the MBBS course, the new curriculum includes distinct capabilities and objectives. Along with knowledge development, it emphasizes the growth of vital abilities like professionalism, ethics, and communication. The programme aspires to generate well-rounded medical practitioners who can address society’s healthcare needs by integrating these competences.

The Role of Assessment and Examination

The assessment process is an essential part of medical education. Along with university exams, the CBME programme places a strong emphasis on ongoing assessment and internal review. Clarity is provided by the instructions for the selection of examiners, attendance requirements, and eligibility requirements. This guarantees a fair and consistent evaluation process for all MBBS students.

Ensuring Quality Education: A Collaborative Effort

A deadline for MBBS admissions is only one measure that can be taken to guarantee high-quality medical education. Universities, regulatory agencies, and medical experts must work together on this. Stakeholders can improve the standards of medical education in India by cooperating and adhering to the rules established by the NMC.

The Transition Period: Implementing the Changes

Significant improvements in medical education must be implemented over a period of time that has been carefully planned. The NMC and medical universities must collaborate to offer the support and direction required during this stage. This entails educating the faculty, modernizing the facility, and resolving any issues that could crop up during the changeover.

Benefits of the Deadline for MBBS Admissions

The MBBS admissions deadline has a number of advantages for both students and the educational system as a whole. It guarantees a punctual start to the academic year, allowing students to finish their courses within the allotted time. It also encourages university accountability and simplifies the admissions procedure, easing the load on students and their families.

Addressing Concerns: FAQs

Q1. What happens if a student is admitted after the deadline?

A student admitted after the deadline may face discharge from the course of study, and their medical qualification may not be recognized by the National Medical Commission.

Q2. Will the new curriculum impact the quality of education?

No, the new CBME curriculum aims to enhance the quality of medical education by focusing on competencies, skills, and professional development.

Q3. How will the transition to the new curriculum be managed?

The transition to the new curriculum will involve collaboration between the NMC and medical universities, ensuring necessary support and guidance during the implementation phase.

Q4. What are the benefits of setting a deadline for MBBS admissions?

Setting a deadline ensures timely commencement of the academic year, promotes accountability, and streamlines the admission process, benefiting both students and the education system.

Q5. How will the new curriculum prepare students for real-world medical practice?

The new curriculum emphasizes competencies, skills, and practical training, equipping students with the necessary tools to excel in their medical careers.

The UGMEB’s deadline for MBBS admissions, which was established with the NMC’s supervision, represents an important turning point for Indian medical education. The objective is to develop qualified and well-rounded medical professionals who can fulfill the changing healthcare demands of the nation by assuring prompt admissions and putting the CBME curriculum into practice. The modernization and standardization of medical education will improve its quality and lead to a healthier country.

The National Medical Commission’s Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB) has approved the building of a new medical college in Odisha, which is a significant development for medical education in the state. The DRIEMS Institute of Health Sciences and Hospital is located in Cuttack and is administered by Utkal University in Bhubaneswar. This permission gives prospective medical students optimism because the college would offer 100 MBBS seats, allowing them to pursue their goals of becoming doctors.

Approval Procedure

The MARB approved the creation of DRIEMS Institute of Health Sciences and Hospital after a thorough evaluation. The assessment report dated February 7, 2023, as well as the physical compliance verification assessments report dated May 22, 2023, were critical in the approval procedure. Furthermore, the college was required to make an undertaking recognising all of the terms and conditions outlined in the letter of intent dated May 24, 2023.

Compliance and Recognition

While the creation of the institution has been approved, it is critical that the authorities seek acknowledgement of the qualification under section 35(2) of the Indian Medical Council (IMC) Act. The National Medical Commission will seek recognition at the first batch’s final assessment. It is critical to follow the guidelines established by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Throughout the academic year, this requires maintaining adequate infrastructure, including physical and human resources, teaching faculty, and clinical content.

Misconduct’s Consequences

The National Medical Commission has issued clear instructions about false assertions or forged documents used to seek MARB approval. If such misbehavior is uncovered during surprise assessments or brought to the National Medical Commission’s attention, the institution will not be considered for degree recognition. This highlights the significance of honesty and compliance with rules in the medical education sector.

Requirements that must be met

The institute must create a biometric attendance system and a website to provide information openness and accessibility. The website should provide detailed information about the college, such as the courses offered, available teachers, and their experience over the previous five years. It should also include information about the students who have enrolled at the college and the university with which it is affiliated. Furthermore, hospital services, facilities, and equipment in each speciality should be provided, as well as outpatient (OP) and inpatient (IP) census statistics, including births and deaths from municipal or government records.

The Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute’s Department of Paediatrics has received provisional accreditation from the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to provide post-graduate training for DNB (Diplomate of National Board) in pediatrics. This accreditation enables the college to provide training for one seat in DNB-post MBBS and one seat in DNB-post diploma programmes, marking an important milestone in medical education and healthcare delivery.

What exactly is DNB Paediatrics?

The National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences offers a post-graduate medical training programme called DNB Paediatrics. It is intended to provide clinicians with specialized knowledge and abilities in pediatrics. The programme focuses on offering comprehensive training in pediatric disease diagnosis, treatment, and management.

Provisional Training Accreditation

The Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute’s Department of Paediatrics has acquired provisional accreditation from NBEMS for the DNB Paediatrics programme. This accreditation is valid for up to five years and is subject to annual evaluations to verify that the college meets the board’s basic standards.

Opportunities for Training

The college has been granted permission to train one DNB-post MBBS student and one DNB-post diploma student. This opportunity provides medical graduates and diploma holders with the opportunity to acquire specialized training in pediatrics under the supervision of competent faculty in a well-equipped hospital setting.

Curriculum and duration

The DNB Paediatrics programme at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute is three years long. During this time, trainees will receive intensive instruction in different parts of pediatrics, such as clinical rotations, case studies, research projects, and academic sessions. The programme is intended to provide a thorough understanding of pediatric medicine as well as clinical experience in the management of pediatric patients.

Review of Accreditation

The accreditation given by NBEMS will be assessed annually to ensure the preservation of quality standards. These reviews serve as a method for assessing the department’s performance and ensuring conformity with the established requirements. The college is dedicated to maintaining the highest medical education standards and will actively participate in the accreditation review process.

The Advantages of Accreditation

The accreditation of the Department of Paediatrics at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute has a number of advantages for aspiring pediatricians, medical students, and the healthcare system as a whole. Among the many advantages are:

• Accreditation assures that the training given fulfills the highest quality requirements, providing trainees with a thorough and well-rounded learning experience.
• DNB Paediatrics is a nationally recognised and regarded qualification that enhances graduates’ professional reputation and job possibilities.
• Access to Specialized Resources: Accredited programmes frequently have access to superior medical facilities, cutting-edge technologies, and research possibilities, all of which enhance the training experience.
• Accreditation entails rigorous evaluation processes that assist maintain uniformity in training and assessment, ensuring the competency of future pediatricians.
• Improved Patient Care: Well-trained pediatricians contribute to better healthcare outcomes, which leads to better care for children and their families.

The Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College (GMC) has received authorisation from the Medical Council of India (MCI) to begin offering the MBBS programme in the academic year 2023-24. Dr. Sowbhagya Lakshmi, the college’s administrator, broke the news during a press conference on June 2 (Friday). The newly constructed GMC will give practical training at the Government General Hospital (GGH) with a seating capacity of 150 students. This article provides an in-depth summary of the Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College’s approval, infrastructure, facilities, and other important details.

Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College 

The Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College, built at a cost of 245 crore, was established to meet the region’s expanding demand for medical education. The institution is located on the grounds of the Government General Hospital, giving students direct access to clinical facilities and patient care experience.

MCI (Medical Council of India) approval

The Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College has been approved by the Medical Council of India (MCI) to offer the MBBS course. This MCI certification attests to the college’s conformity to the regulatory body’s quality requirements and procedures. The MCI approval ensures that the college is well-equipped to give aspiring students with high-quality medical education.

2023-24 Academic Year

The Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College will offer 150 places for students seeking admission to the MBBS programme beginning in the academic year 2023-24. The college’s goal is to foster and teach future medical professionals by offering a comprehensive curriculum, cutting-edge facilities, and experienced faculty members.

Practical Experience at the Government General Hospital

The Government Medical College (GMC) in Rajamahendravaram has the distinct advantage of being affiliated with the Government General Hospital (GGH). The first class of students admitted to the institution will have the opportunity to receive hands-on instruction and experience in a real-world healthcare setting. This hands-on experience will be crucial in developing their medical abilities and preparing them for future employment as doctors.

Infrastructure and Services

Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College has modern infrastructure and well-equipped facilities to support its students’ study and development. The college has made major investments in establishing large classrooms, cutting-edge laboratories, a well-stocked library, and research facilities. Furthermore, the college provides hostel accommodations for students, offering a favourable setting for their academic endeavours.

Report Submission

The principal of Rajamahendravaram Government Medical College, Dr. Sowbhagya Lakshmi, emphasised the college’s dedication to sustaining good educational standards. She stated that a full report on the college’s readiness, infrastructure, and teaching faculty would be given to the Director of Medical Education. This report is intended to reassure officials and stakeholders that the college is well-prepared to provide quality education to its students.

In a significant announcement, the Indian government has issued a public notice stating that all Indian medical graduates who have successfully completed their final MBBS examinations until the Academic Year 2022-23 will be granted provisional registration in the concerned State Medical Council and subsequent internship in their Parent Colleges, regardless of their Medical Colleges’ recognition status. This audacious initiative attempts to simplify the registration process and ensure that aspiring doctors can begin their professional careers without additional delays or hurdles. Let’s look into the specifics of this news and what it might mean for Indian medical grads.

Recognising the Public Notice

The Indian government’s public notification has far-reaching repercussions for Indian medical graduates. Let’s look at some of its important features:

Provisional Membership in the State Medical Council

All Indian medical graduates who have successfully completed their final MBBS examinations before the Academic Year 2022-23 are eligible for provisional registration in the relevant State Medical Council under this notice. This provision ensures that these graduates can practise medicine while gaining useful experience.

Following Internships in Parent Colleges

In addition to provisional registration, the notification allows Indian medical graduates to begin their internships in their Parent Colleges right now. This provision ensures that graduates can finish their necessary internship period on time, gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of seasoned medical experts.

Medical Colleges’ Status of Recognition

Indian medical graduates who have passed their final MBBS exams before the Academic Year 2022-23 will be eligible for provisional registration and future internship, regardless of the status of their Medical Colleges. This clause is especially important since it assures that the institution’s recognition status does not impede the professional development of talented medical graduates.

The Effect on the Indian Medical Education System

The publication of this public notice is expected to have a number of beneficial effects on the Indian medical education system. Let’s look at a few of them:

Motivating Medical Graduates

This notification encourages Indian medical graduates to continue their professions without unnecessary delays by offering temporary registration and direct internship options. It instills confidence in prospective doctors and encourages them to pursue their dreams.

Taking Care of Recognition Issues

One of the most significant issues that medical graduates confront is the recognition status of their Medical Colleges. This notification bridges the gap and ensures that meritorious graduates can begin their jobs regardless of their institution’s status.

Increasing Medical Knowledge

The announcement enables medical graduates to obtain practical experience and improve their medical skills by allowing rapid internship possibilities. This hands-on training is critical for the formation of well-rounded doctors capable of meeting the population’s different healthcare demands.

Improving Healthcare Infrastructure

Provision of temporary registration and subsequent internship at Parent Colleges also helps to develop the country’s healthcare system. This notification addresses the scarcity of healthcare workers in diverse places by allowing medical graduates to practise medicine and serve patients.

Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, recently proposed the introduction of a 3-year undergraduate diploma in medicine. This idea has sparked controversy in Kolkata. This idea aims to address the state’s physician shortage. The state would provide this diploma programme concurrently with the current MBBS programme. However, this idea has aroused discussion and prompted worries among several parties.

The Demand for a Diploma Programme

Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal’s health minister, emphasised that the standard MBBS programme requires a minimum of five years to complete in order to produce a medical graduate. She is adamant that the creation of a diploma programme in medicine would resolve the state’s present physician shortage. Through this alternative route, people may train to become semi-doctors who could deliver basic medical care while being supervised by senior nurses and doctors.

Addressing the Shortage: Banerjee’s Recommendations

CM Banerjee made many recommendations in a Utkarsh Bangla review meeting to address the lack of doctors in West Bengal. She emphasised the five-year medical training program’s length and the use of junior doctors in various hospitals while they are still in school. Banerjee suggested creating a three-year certificate programme that would allow doctors to work in primary healthcare facilities as a solution to this problem. She also advised hiring experienced medical professionals and professors to instruct students enrolled in the diploma programme, ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services.

MBBS seats and diploma programmes are being developed concurrently

Banerjee emphasised the significance of concurrent development in the field of medical education. The ability to teach doctors is growing along with the number of MBBS seats and medical colleges. In addition, a stronger healthcare infrastructure is required due to the expanding population and patient population. Banerjee advocated the creation of a certificate programme to help Bengal’s basic health infrastructure overcome these difficulties. She expressed her belief that this strategy will be successful in addressing the doctor shortage.

The Function of Diplomate Physicians in Primary Care

According to Banerjee, the primary healthcare sector would gain from the implementation of a parallel system of diploma doctors in addition to standard medical education. She emphasised the extensive coursework and several tests that future doctors must pass. These people will be able to work in primary healthcare, delivering necessary services like dispensing oxygen, life-saving medications, and saline under the supervision of experienced doctors and senior nurses, by developing a parallel system for obtaining diploma doctors.

Investigating legal issues and creating laws

Banerjee has charged the state’s health secretary, NS Nigam, with investigating the legal ramifications of the proposed diploma course’s implementation in order to assure its feasibility. This action indicates the government’s dedication to carefully assessing the proposal’s viability and potential effects. Banerjee has also recommended looking into the potential of drafting legislation that would elevate senior nurses to the level of “semi-doctors” for training reasons, thereby improving their capacity to assist with healthcare services.

Concerns and reservations

Despite the attention and discussion the initiative has received, a number of parties have also voiced their misgivings and worries. Critics contend that a 3-year diploma might not offer enough education and work experience to produce qualified physicians. They stress the value of a thorough and demanding medical education, which the conventional MBBS programme provides. Some interested parties are concerned that diploma doctors might not have the expertise and understanding required to adequately manage complex medical issues.

Examination of the three-year diploma course proposal in West Bengal’s healthcare system, with opposition  and reconsideration demanded

The Problem with Quality Training

A professor at KPC Medical College & Hospital named Dr. Tirthankar Guha Thakurata raises questions about the calibre of training diploma doctors will receive throughout the planned three-year programme. He queries who would be in charge of instructing in these diploma institutions and provides assurances regarding the calibre of instruction and training they provide. Dr. Thakurata expressed concern over the potential emergence of subpar institutions that would turn out graduates unprepared to offer quality medical care. This casts considerable doubt on the proposed diploma program’s ability to alleviate West Bengal’s doctor deficit and provide high-quality healthcare.

Dr. Arindam Biswas: There is opposition based on unfairness and shortcuts

Dr. Arindam Biswas, a well-known general physician in the city, makes two compelling arguments against the plan. First of all, he thinks that the three-year diploma programme is a quick fix that cannot ensure the delivery of high-quality education and training. In order to guarantee the best levels of medical care, Dr. Biswas emphasises the crucial role of the healthcare industry, which calls for a strong and long-term approach.

Second, Dr. Biswas concerns why the diploma programme is being implemented primarily in West Bengal’s rural primary health centres. He contends that doing so results in an unfair contrast between healthcare systems in rural and urban areas. The authority in charge of assuring the calibre of instruction in institutions offering such diploma courses is another issue brought up by Dr. Biswas. He expresses his historical scepticism towards such initiatives by making reference to a similar suggestion made by the last Left Front administration that was flatly rejected.

Making sure there are checks and balances: Dr. Srijon Mukherjee’s View

A well-known maxillofacial surgeon named Dr. Srijon Mukherjee thinks that the implementation of diploma programmes in medicine is only possible with a thorough system of checks and balances. He suggests that students who have finished their higher secondary education in the science stream with a minimum of 60% should only be admitted to these courses. Dr. Mukherjee also emphasises the requirement for an authorised agency in charge of accrediting institutions that offer diploma courses. He also recommends limiting diploma doctors’ treatment options in some areas and putting in place a stringent oversight programme to make sure they follow the rules.

A panel has been established to investigate the introduction of a medicine diploma programme.

The panel’s composition

There are 14 people on the panel established to assess the viability of establishing a diploma programme in medicine. Respected senior physicians and representatives from illustrious medical organisations like the West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) are among the members of this diversified group. The panel’s makeup guarantees a thorough evaluation of all relevant consequences and aspects of conducting the diploma course.

Goals of the Panel Assessing Infrastructure and Feasibility

The main goal of the panel is to determine if a medical diploma programme might be implemented within West Bengal’s current healthcare system. This involves assessing the availability of the materials, instructors, and training facilities needed to carry out the programme successfully. The panel hopes to uncover any potential issues or gaps that require attention by examining the existing condition of healthcare education.

Designing and accrediting curriculum

The panel’s creation of an all-encompassing curriculum for the planned diploma course is another important goal. To ensure that students are sufficiently prepared for real-world healthcare problems, this curriculum should include both academic knowledge and practical training. The accreditation procedure, which verifies that the diploma programme complies with national norms and regulations, will also be covered by the panel.

Impact on Access to Healthcare

The panel will look at how the diploma programme can affect access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The course aims to increase the number of healthcare professionals accessible to assist underserved communities by providing people with the essential skills. The panel will examine any potential benefits, including decreased patient-to-doctor ratios, higher-quality healthcare, and expanded access to medical services.

The certification of a list of 679 Recognised Non-Teaching Hospitals for Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship has been revealed in a recent circular by the head of the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC). For medical graduates from other countries who were having trouble signing up for the compulsory internship programme in India, this validation is a relief. According to the circular, dated May 9, 2023, this relaxation is given as a one-time measure, and foreign medical graduates (FMGs) will be assigned to these non-teaching hospitals through the appropriate State Medical Councils.

Foreign medical graduates face Difficulties

Numerous medical graduates from other countries were having trouble finding internships in India. Foreign medical graduates are required to pass the FMGE and complete the internship requirement imposed by the NMC. These procedures must be followed in order for FMGs to receive registration to practice in India. However, media reports said that getting internship employment was tough for almost 2,000 FMG doctors. Only about 30% of the students who passed the required FMGE test in January were able to obtain internship positions in Rajasthan alone.Of the 1,365 exam-qualified applicants, 966 are still awaiting a spot in an internship.

 Similar to this, in Haryana, over 40 students were still looking for internship opportunities, and the counselling process had not yet started in many Indian states.

FAIMA Expresses Worries

The difficulties faced by FMGs across India, particularly in Delhi, have lately been brought to light by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA). To address the worries of foreign medical graduates in India, FAIMA wrote to the head of the National Medical Commission and urged prompt action. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) promised that the Apex medical commission would offer a solution within a week after a meeting on May 4.

FMG Concerns Addressed in NMC Circular

The NMC released a circular that addressed a number of important problems in response to the worries voiced by FMGs. The circular covered a variety of topics, including the Commission’s validation of online study, the applicability of the NMC Public Notice dated July 28, 2022, the need for FMGs to reside in their home country during the internship, the completion of internships in segments at hospitals and medical schools, and the question of stipend payments to FMGs.

The NMC took into account several requests and inquiries regarding the lack of internship spaces for FMGs from various State Medical Councils. At the NMC Chairman’s Coordination Meeting with the Presidents and Members of the four NMC Boards on May 2, 2023, these requests received a favorable appraisal.

The List of Non-Teaching Hospitals is Validated by UGMEB.

The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) decided to validate the list of Recognised Non-Teaching Hospitals for Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship issued by the former Medical Council of India after carefully analyzing the situation and the difficulties FMGs encountered in completing their internships. A year after the circular’s release, to May 2024, the validation is given solely for the purpose of conducting internships for foreign medical graduates. The circular’s annexure contains a list of recognised non-teaching hospitals for the mandatory rotational medical internship. It’s crucial to remember that this relaxation is only offered once.

The circular additionally stated that only the relevant State Medical Councils will be used to allocate FMGs to these non-teaching hospitals. This guarantees that the procedure continues.

According to data provided by the Apex Medical Commission, Maharashtra has the most non-teaching institutions that have given permission for medical graduates from other countries to engage in the internship programme. NMC has approved 74 similar facilities in Maharashtra. Uttar Pradesh, which has 72 hospitals accredited for this purpose, comes in second.

Along with these, the NMC has recognised additional hospitals in the following states: 30 hospitals in Andhra Pradesh, 1 hospital in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 27 hospitals in Assam, 29 hospitals in Bihar, 21 hospitals in Delhi, 49 hospitals in Gujarat, 6 hospitals in Himachal Pradesh, 20 hospitals in Kerala, 45 hospitals in Madhya Pradesh, 40 hospitals in TamilNadu, 62 hospitals in Karnataka, 17 hospitals in Orissa, 42 hospitals in Punjab and Haryana, 2 hospitals

In addition, 15 military hospitals and 27 railway hospitals across India have received approval from NMC to accept FMG students for the Internship Programme. The NMC’s relaxation came at a time when it was difficult for thousands of foreign medical graduates to join India’s obligatory internship scheme. Foreign medical graduates must pass the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) before completing the internship requirement set forth by NMC. The FMGs are only awarded registration to practice in India after that.