Health Bulletin 27/August/2026

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has rejected demands to lower the qualifying standard for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), stating that the screening test ensures foreign-trained doctors meet the minimum competency required to practise medicine in India. The decision comes amid protests by foreign medical graduates over the June 2026 FMGE, with candidates raising concerns about the examination’s difficulty, transparency and video-based questions. However, an NBEMS expert committee found no material evidence that the paper’s difficulty or video questions adversely affected results and did not recommend grace or compensatory marks.

At the same time, the three-member committee headed by Air Marshal (Dr.) Pawan Kapoor (Retd.) proposed measures to make FMGE more transparent and candidate-friendly. These include examining the feasibility of conducting the examination three times a year, allowing candidates access to their recorded responses and reviewing the examination fee. NBEMS maintained that reforms can improve transparency and accessibility but should not dilute the competency threshold. The board said the qualifying standard remains essential for ensuring patient safety and maintaining minimum clinical competence among foreign medical graduates seeking to practise in India, according to an NDTV report.

UP Cabinet Hikes MBBS, BDS Internship Stipend to Rs 25,000

In a major relief, MBBS and BDS interns undergoing training at government medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh will now receive more than double their existing stipend, with the state Cabinet approving a hike from around Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000 per month.

Welcoming the move, members of the medical fraternity appreciated the government’s decision, saying the hike was much needed for interns in the state who have faced financial difficulties over the past few years.

For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:

UP hikes MBBS, BDS intern stipend to Rs 25,000

Doctors’ Body to Present Examination Reform Plan Before PM-Constituted High Power Task Force

A doctors' body is going to present its suggestions and recommendations on examination reforms before the High Power Task Force (HPTF) headed by technology expert and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani and constituted by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen the country's examination system.

The meeting will be held on August 27, 2026, at 11 AM at the National Recruitment Agency (NRA) office in New Delhi and will be chaired by Shri Amrit Lal Meena, Member of the HPTF.

For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:

Doctors'body to present exam reform blueprint before PM-consitituted high power task force

Delhi Medical Association Issues Strict Guidelines Amid H1N1 Cases Surge

The Delhi Medical Association (DMA) has issued preventive guidelines amid rising influenza cases, urging people to follow respiratory hygiene and avoid panic. It advised covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, washing hands frequently and avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. People have also been asked to maintain distance from those suffering from H1N1 or influenza-like illness and avoid spitting in public places. The association recommended that people experiencing flu symptoms wear N95 masks, while healthcare professionals should use masks in clinics, hospitals and OPDs to help reduce the risk of transmission, reports NDTV.

The DMA also cautioned against taking antibiotics or antiviral medicines without consulting a qualified physician and advised symptomatic individuals to avoid close contact with others. Those returning from travel or areas with increased influenza activity should monitor their health for at least 10 days and seek medical care if symptoms develop. Face masks have also been recommended in crowded places and public transport. According to the association, Delhi hospitals have been equipped with adequate beds, doctors, medicines and essential equipment, while directions have been issued for screening, reporting and monitoring influenza cases.