Aryabhatta Knowledge University’s Government Medical College, Purnea, was recently given approval by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to offer 100 MBBS seats, which is a big development for Bihar’s medical education system. Medical students have reacted with great enthusiasm to this breakthrough, giving them cause to rejoice.

A Leading Healthcare Organisation

The Government Medical College, Purnea, was founded with the intention of creating a top-notch healthcare delivery system and offering medical education on par with that of other famous universities. The Kosi region’s healthcare system is about to undergo a change thanks to this medical institution, which places a major emphasis on providing excellent healthcare services and encouraging academic success.

Virtual Inauguration by the PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi practically lay the groundwork for Government Medical College, Purnea in 2019, demonstrating the government’s dedication to enhancing the nation’s medical infrastructure and increasing access to high-quality healthcare. This virtual inauguration marked the start of a remarkable path towards offering prospective students full medical education.

Stylish Facilities and Infrastructure

Modern infrastructure and amenities are available at Government Medical College, Purnea, which are essential for providing high-quality medical education. By building the facility at a cost of 365.58 crore, Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (BMSICL) assures that students have access to modern conveniences and a favourable learning environment.

The college is home to well-equipped labs, a sizable library with a sizable collection of medical books, and cosy accommodations for students. Additionally, the nearby hospital offers a practical clinical education that enables students to put their academic learning into practise.

The National Medical Commission’s endorsement

Through a Letter of Intent (LOI) published on June 13, the National Medical Commission (NMC) authorised the start of MBBS admissions at the Government Medical College, Purnea, beginning with the academic year 2023–2024. The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the NMC carefully examined the college’s infrastructure, academic expertise, research contributions, and accessibility to necessary resources before reaching its conclusion, which led to this approval.

The NMC’s support of Government Medical College, Purnea demonstrates its faith in the institution’s capacity to provide top-notch medical education and turn out skilled healthcare workers.

Enhancing the Medical Education Landscape in Bihar

Government Medical College, Purnea’s addition raises the profile of Bihar’s medical education system. By exceeding the presence of private medical colleges in Katihar and Kishanganj, this college becomes the first government medical institution in the entire Kosi region. The founding of a government medical college in this area is a big accomplishment that will be crucial in closing the healthcare gap and meeting the local population’s medical demands.

Increase in Medical Seats

Government Medical College, Purnea has been added to the list of Bihar’s 12 government medical colleges, which also includes prestigious schools like AIIMS and IGIMS. These institutions together provide 2,040 MBBS seats, considerably enhancing the options accessible to the state’s medical aspirants. The expansion and accessibility of medical education in Bihar is aided by the addition of 100 MBBS seats at Government Medical College, Purnea.

Admissions for MBBS begin.

Following formal approval from the MARB, Government Medical College, Purnea is anticipating opening its doors to new students for its MBBS programme. Within a fortnight, aspirant students can anticipate the start of the counselling process, ensuring a streamlined admissions process and prompt enrolling.

Acceptance and Recognition

Government Medical College in Purnea has won praise and admiration for its accomplishments. Former dean of Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), Dr. Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, expressed confidence about the college’s influence on the area and emphasised the value of having a government medical facility in the Kosi region. With the installation of Government Medical College, Purnea, Bihar’s medical education and health infrastructure have advanced significantly.

Pratyaya Amrit, the assistant chief secretary for the health department, cited the founding of the Government Medical College, Purnea, as a significant development in the field of health infrastructure. The significance of this institution’s future impact on the state’s medical education and healthcare system is highlighted by this acknowledgment.

The Government Medical College in Purnea is evidence of the government’s dedication to improving healthcare and medical education in Bihar. The institution’s approval to offer 100 MBBS seats marks a significant shift in the healthcare environment of the area by empowering ambitious medical professionals and giving them a stage on which to succeed.

The extensive infrastructure, renowned faculty, and dedication to excellence ensure that Government Medical College, Purnea, is well-positioned to become a significant hub of medical education and make a significant contribution to the healthcare sector in Bihar as the college gets ready to start its academic journey.

The recognition and validation of postgraduate (PG) seats are of utmost significance in the field of medical education. The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently conducted inspections at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College (MGMMC) in Indore for the purpose of recognising PG seats in the departments of medicine and psychiatry. We examine the specifics of these inspections, the NMC standards for recognition, and the importance of such recognition for medical colleges in this article.

NMC’s Inspection Process For Medical College

The NMC, which oversees medical education in India, makes sure that medical colleges all around the nation continue to meet high standards. The NMC performs inspections at various levels to guarantee the caliber of instruction and training.

Initial Approval and Later Inspections

A medical college needs a letter of approval from the NMC before it may start offering PG courses. This initial authorization acts as a green light for the course to begin. The process doesn’t stop there, though. In order to assess the college’s adherence to the established norms and standards, the NMC conducts inspections during the final test of PG programmes, often three years later.

Grant of Acknowledgement

The NMC carefully evaluates the facilities, infrastructure, faculty, curriculum, and overall quality of education given by the medical college during the inspection for the grant of recognition. This assessment attempts to confirm that the institution satisfies the requirements for providing PG courses. The NMC issues a letter of recognition after these requirements are satisfied, approving the college to keep providing the courses for the following five years.

Additional inspections and a larger seat

The NMC continues to oversee the colleges even after recognition has been granted in order to uphold the standard of instruction. To make sure the college maintains the criteria specified by the commission, inspections are conducted on a regular basis. Additionally, if sufficient facilities and resources are available, medical colleges may request authorization to increase the number of PG seats. The NMC also assesses these seat increase petitions through inspections.

Importance of Recognition

Medical schools like MGMMC place a great deal of weight on the NMC’s recognition of PG seats. It guarantees that the education and training offered to PG students is of the highest caliber and shows that the college has successfully satisfied the demanding standards set by the commission. Let’s examine some main justifications for why acknowledgment is essential:

Quality Control

The NMC’s recognition demonstrates the college’s dedication to upholding a high standard of instruction and facilities. It represents adherence to the rules and regulations established by the governing body by the college. Students can feel secure knowing that their education is coming from a place that upholds the greatest standards.

Career Possibilities

Medical college graduates can pursue specialized subjects through PG degrees thanks to the recognition of PG seats. These people now have a wider range of professional options, which enables them to learn more about their chosen medical specializations and make a major contribution to the healthcare industry.

Investigation and Innovation

The development of a strong academic atmosphere follows recognition. Recognised medical institutions frequently support research and innovation, enticing academic staff and students to take part in cutting-edge studies that could increase medical knowledge. As a result, a supportive environment is created for knowledge sharing and intellectual development.

status at the National and International Levels The Medical College’s prestige and status are enhanced as a result of NMC recognition. It draws prospective medical professionals looking to be connected with prestigious institutions and serves as a standard for excellence. By increasing the college’s prominence and legitimacy, the recognition makes it easier for it to entice the top faculty members and students.

A crucial procedure that guarantees the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College upholds excellent standards in medical education is the NMC inspections for the recognition of PG seats. The award affirms the college’s dedication to providing top-notch instruction, expands employment options, encourages research and innovation, and raises its profile on a national and international level. MGMMC’s commitment to upholding the NMC standards is an example of its pursuit of quality in medical education, which ultimately helps the healthcare industry and society at large.

The eagerly awaited list of chosen foreign medical graduates (FMGs) who would complete obligatory rotational internship training in Government Medical Colleges in Assam has just been made public by the Director of Medical Education (DME Assam). These graduates now have more chances to advance their medical careers and obtain important experience thanks to this exciting development. The relevance of this training programme will be clarified as we go into the specifics of this announcement.

The Selected List of International Medical Graduates

The names of the chosen candidates are listed together with the year they passed the FMG Screening Test, the seat they were given, and the length of their internship on the list that was made public. 87 foreign medical graduates in total have been selected to complete one or two years of required rotating internship training at Assam’s government medical colleges. These individuals are qualified for this distinguished programme since they earned their MBBS/BDS or comparable degrees with honours from reputable overseas institutions.

Reporting to the medical colleges’ principals

On or before May 15, 2023, the chosen applicants must report to the principals of their respective medical colleges. This phase guarantees a seamless entry into the internship programme and enables the candidates to become familiar with the rules and regulations of the college. The applicants show their dedication to the training programme and to their future professions as doctors by arriving on time.

Payment of a Stipend for a Two-Year Internship

According to the NMC Circular’s instructions (U.15024/01/2022-UGMEB, dated May 9, 2023) the second year of the interns’ two-year, required rotational internship training would be compensated with a stipend. This financial assistance honours their effort and commitment throughout the programme. The stipend lends assistance to the interns, enabling them to concentrate on their education and professional development without worrying about money.

FMGs are given a one-time relaxation when NMC permits internships in non-teaching hospitals.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has made a significant change by granting foreign medical graduates a one-time relaxation. This waiver enables them to complete their required rotating internship training in 679 non-teaching hospitals in addition to Government Medical Colleges. As a result, FMGs will have access to a wider variety of training venues and exposure to various healthcare settings during their internships.

Process of Counselling for Qualified Foreign Medical Graduates

On April 18, 2023, counselling for the required rotating internship training took place. Candidates needed to be Assam permanent residents and have passed their MBBS (Part-II) final examination or equivalent from institutions outside of India to be eligible for counselling. The selection process’s counselling part was essential in ensuring that the deserving individuals have the chance to improve Assam’s healthcare system.

Assam’s Directorate of Medical Education: Supporting Medical Research and Science

The Health & Family Welfare Department of the Government of Assam founded the Directorate of Medical Education, Assam, Training and Research in 1984. Its main goal is to advance medical scientific knowledge in a variety of fields, including paramedicine, allopathic medicine, ayurvedic medicine, homoeopathic medicine, and more. Through the several hospitals that fall under its purview, the Directorate plays a crucial role in offering healthcare facilities and research opportunities to the people of Assam.

The Directorate’s Course Offerings

A variety of courses in the medical and paramedical sciences are available through the Directorate of Medical Education in Assam. These programmes are made to give prospective healthcare professionals thorough instruction and training. The Directorate offers the following courses:

1. MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)

The MBBS programme is an undergraduate medical programme that lasts five and a half years. It seeks to give students a solid foundation in clinical skills and medical knowledge. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree after completing the programme.

2. BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)

A five-year undergraduate dental programme is called the BDS programme. It places a strong emphasis on oral health and dental care and gives students the knowledge and abilities to identify and treat a range of dental disorders. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree after successfully completing the programme.

3. MDMS (Doctor of Medicine, Master of Surgery)

Postgraduate specialisation in a variety of medical and surgical fields is available through the MDMS programme. It enables medical graduates to continue their education and acquire in-depth knowledge and experience in their field of study. Depending on the specialisation, the program’s length varies.

4. MDS (Master of Dental Surgery)

A postgraduate dental education that offers specialisation in numerous dental fields is the MDS programme. It offers comprehensive instruction in difficult dental problem diagnosis, management, and therapy. Depending on the student’s choice of specialisation, the program’s length varies.

5. DM/MCH (Doctorate of Medicine/Master of Chirurgical)

A super-specialty course called the DM/MCH programme enables medical professionals to specialise in particular areas of surgery or medicine. It offers opportunity for advanced training and research to build expertise in a particular field of medical practise. Depending on the specialisation selected, the program’s length varies.

6. D Pharm (Diploma in Pharmacy)

The D Pharm programme is a pharmacy diploma programme. It puts a strong emphasis on pharmaceutical sciences and trains students to become pharmacy assistants and technicians. Pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and pharmaceutical chemistry are among the subjects covered in the programme.

7. Sc Nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

A nursing undergraduate course is the B.Sc. Nursing programme. It trains students to become capable nurses who can deliver high-quality medical care. Aspects of the programme include nursing care, pharmacology, anatomy, and physiology.

8. MSc Nursing (Master of Science in Nursing)

A postgraduate study that offers specialisation in many nursing fields is the M.Sc. Nursing programme. It offers sophisticated knowledge and abilities in nursing administration, research, and specialised patient care. The curriculum gives graduates the ability to lead and manage in the field of nursing.

.9. Diploma in Paramedical Sciences

Specialised training in numerous paramedical areas is available through the Diploma in Paramedical Sciences programme. It trains students for careers as knowledgeable healthcare specialists who support physicians in patient diagnosis and care. Radiography, medical imaging, and medical laboratory technology are just a few of the courses offered in the programme.

The Directorate of Medical Education, Assam, offers courses that are intended to satisfy the state’s medical education requirements. These courses give students the solid groundwork and useful skills they need to succeed in their chosen area of paramedical or medical sciences. The Directorate works to advance medical research and education to the highest standards, ensuring that Assamese citizens receive high-quality healthcare from the state’s medical experts.

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.

We appreciate it that you’re here to read our in-depth guide to the internship for foreign medical graduates (FMG) in India. We will give you detailed information on the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) most recent clarification of the Compulsory Rotatory Medical Internship (CRMI) in this article. To ensure a seamless entry into the Indian healthcare system as an aspirant FMG, it is essential to comprehend these requirements.

Knowing about the FMG Internship

What is FMG? 

Individuals who received their medical degrees from universities outside of India are known as Foreign Medical Graduates, or FMGs. These people want to work in medicine in India and improve the healthcare system there.

The Importance of CRMI A medical graduate’s journey to becoming a licenced practitioner in India requires them to complete a mandatory rotating medical internship (CRMI). It is a one-year internship programme designed to give FMGs real-world experience in a variety of medical specialties while assisting them in gaining important skills and abilities.

CRMI Clarification from NMC

The qualifications for FMGs pursuing CRMI in India were recently clarified by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The goal of this explanation is to establish clear rules and clear up any past uncertainty that FMGs may have had. Let’s examine the main ideas presented in the NMC’s explanation.

Eligibility requirements

Specific qualifying requirements have been established by the NMC for FMGs wishing to participate in the CRMI programme. These standards consist of:

• Degree Accreditation: FMGs must possess a medical degree that is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) or another authoritative international directory.
• The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), commonly known as the MCI/NMC Screening Test, is a requirement for FMGs. The medical expertise and knowledge of FMGs are evaluated by this exam.
• Medical Council Registration: In order to pursue their CRMI, FMGs must first get temporary registration from the relevant State Medical Council (SMC).

The Clarification’s Goal

The NMC has carefully thought through the concerns surrounding the internship for FMGs in cooperation with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. These clarifications are being made in order to ensure transparency and respond to issues that stakeholders and State Medical Councils have raised. The NMC attempts to give full information and promote understanding among the numerous parties involved by combining the rules and directions.

Important Provisions for FMGs in the CRMI Regulations of 2021

Foreign medical graduates must do at least a twelve-month supervised internship in India. In compliance with the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations 2021, they must submit applications to the Commission for internships. For FMGs to graduate from their internships, their internships must be finished within two years of passing the final MBBS, FMGE, or NEXT Step-1 test.

FMGs will be assigned to medical schools or other organisations that are authorised to offer Compulsory Rotating Medical Internships (CRMI) to Indian Medical Graduates in order to streamline the internship procedure. The corresponding State Medical Councils will distribute the colleges. The corresponding State Medical Councils will distribute the colleges. The colleges, linked hospitals, and Community Health Centres must be approved by the Commission to run the CRMI programme before the counselling or seat allocation procedure can begin.

• Online Study Validation by Commission

The Commission allowed exceptions during the Covid-19 outbreak, despite the fact that it has never authorized or verified medical credentials (both theoretical and practical) only through online mode. In accordance with the existing curriculum, medical colleges and institutions in India are permitted to offer online courses that are reinforced with practical and clinical training. The NMC standards do not recognise online study for medical degrees, including its theoretical and practical components.

• Application of NMC Public Notice on FMGs from July 28, 2022

On July 28, 2022, the NMC released a public notice that clarified the rules that apply to foreign medical graduates (FMGs). The notice states that the two-year internship clause only applies to FMGs who were in their last year of medical qualifying studies when they were forced to return to India because of events like COVID-19 or the Russia-Ukraine War. These FMGs must pass the FMG Examination after successfully finishing their medical qualification and must then do a Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) for two years, with a schedule of 12 months to be repeated. A hospital affiliated with a medical college is where this internship must be finished.

• Domicile Requirement by FMGs for Internships

State Medical Councils are not allowed to refuse FMGs access to medical universities for internships based only on where they reside. If they meet the requirements, FMGs are free to do their internships in any medical college located in a State or Union Territory. The allocation procedure shouldn’t take the domicile requirement into account.

• Partially completed internship by FMGs

An FMG is free to continue the second year of their internship in another medical college, a State, or a Union Territory if they have previously finished the first year of their internship in one medical college in India. Due to this flexibility, FMGs can select from a variety of seats to host internships.

• Stipends are paid to FMGs.

By way of a circular dated 19.05.2022, the NMC asked all Directorates of Medical Education and State Medical Councils to make sure that no FMG interns, whether Indian or foreign, are charged an internship fee by medical colleges or institutions. It was emphasized that FMGs in the relevant States/Union Territories should receive stipends and other benefits on par with Indian Medical Graduates.

• Putting Stipend Guidelines into Practise

Although the NMC has said that the appropriate authority applicable to the institution/university or State should determine the stipend level for FMG interns, the execution of these rules is at the sole discretion of the relevant State authorities. The State authorities are responsible for resolving this issue in circumstances when there is no budgetary provision in the allocation of annual budgets for stipend payment to FMGs.

• Foreign medical graduates are granted a one-time relaxation

The NMC has approved a one-time waiver due to the lack of internship seats for FMGs in several States and Union Territories as a result of the implementation of the two-year internship requirement. The list of Recognised Non-Teaching Hospitals for Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship published by the former Medical Council of India is validated by this relaxation for a period of one year beginning on the date of the circular. With this approach, FMGs will have the chance to finish their internships. However, only through the relevant State Medical Councils can FMGs be allocated to these non-teaching hospitals.

• Validation of Recognised Hospitals that Are Not Teaching

The NMC has approved the recognition of recognised non-teaching hospitals for mandatory rotating medical internships as a temporary measure. The former Medical Council of India published a list of these hospitals, and it is currently valid for a year. Subject to the allocation procedure overseen by the State Medical Councils, this validation permits FMGs to pursue their internships in these facilities.

• FMGs are distributed to non-teaching hospitals.

The relevant State Medical Councils manage the procedure of allocating FMGs to non-teaching hospitals for their internships. These councils are essential in ensuring transparent and fair allocation based on seat availability and FMG merit. The goal is to give FMGs a variety of interesting internship opportunities in various healthcare settings.

• Guidelines for State Medical Councils and Medical Education Directorates

The National Medical Commission’s (NMC) directives and directions for FMG internships are crucially carried out by the State Medical Councils and Directorates of Medical Education. They are in charge of organising and making it easier for FMGs to receive medical colleges, including non-teaching hospitals. The recommendations place a strong emphasis on following the eligibility requirements, abstaining from discrimination based on residence, and making sure that FMGs get stipends and other facilities in accordance with the NMC’s instructions.

Important clarifications and rules regulating the conduct of internships for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) in India have been published by the National Medical Commission. These rules cover a wide range of topics, including the applicability of the NMC’s public notice, domicile requirements, part-time internship completion, stipend payment and implementation, a one-time relaxation for FMGs, recognition of non-teaching hospitals, and the function of State Medical Councils and Directorates of Medical Education.

To maintain a seamless and open internship procedure for FMGs, it is crucial that all parties involved—including State Medical Councils—adhere to these rules. By doing this, we can make it easier for FMGs to become a part of the Indian healthcare system, improve their clinical expertise, and raise the standard of healthcare and medical education in the nation as a whole.