FMGs Oppose NMC's New Move, cite lack of clarity

New Delhi: More than 200 foreign medical graduates reached the National Medical Commission (NMC) office today opposing the Commission's recent decision of denying acceptance of compensation certificates for online classes.

Confirming this, Dr. Kaushal, the media coordinator from the All FMGs Association (AFA) informed Medical Dialogues that already more than 200 FMGs have gathered in front of the NMC office and more students are expected to join them.

The foreign medical graduates are opposing the commission's recent notice, through which the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of NMC stated that compensatory certificates obtained by FMGs from their parent institutes abroad for the online classes would not be accepted by them.

NMC took this decision after taking cognizance of the instances of medical graduates from abroad maliciously obtaining such certificates. "It has been observed that many FMGs are maliciously obtaining compensatory certificates from their parent universities for the online classes carried by them. The medical profession deals with precious human life, therefore the life of Indian citizens cannot be put at stake of poorly trained medical professionals. The UGMEB has decided that henceforth, Certificate regarding the compensation/supplementation of online theory subjects/classes with offline practical and clinical training shall not be accepted," NMC mentioned in the public notice dated 07.06.2024.

Clarifying that FMGs who underwent online classes during their years of study would have to undergo Internship for a period of two/three years, the notice further added, "FMGs who have attended their classes online for any duration during their course completion are required to qualify the FMG Examination and subsequently undergo a Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) for a period of two/three years (a schedule of 12 months to be repeated) as mentioned in the Circular dated 9.5.2023 and as per the public notice uploaded on 7 th December 2023."

Also Read: FMG Certificates Compensating offline clinical training with Online Theory Classes NOT Acceptable: NMC

Vehemently opposing the NMC move, the All FMGs Association mentioned on X (formerly Twitter), "Remember when the NMC asked FMGs and even IMGs to go back to college and compensate for online classes? Well, now they're doing a 180-degree turn and a year later when people already done it, Now they are refusing to accept it by giving reasons like it's maliciously obtained. NMC is apex body and always keep challenging their own notice, it was @NMC_IND which allowed to do online classes during pandemic and asked to compensate it later,but now they are going against their own words. A country where neetug aspirants are suffering, UGs, Pgs, FMGs are suffering due to this system, We need a good change in this system rather harassing us more."

In another X post, the association added, "In a country where 300 marks can be given as a grace in #NEETUG24 to make doctors. -40marks can be the cutoff of #neetpg2023 to do the specialization and fill the PG seats. Exam like #inicet, paper leak news can come into consideration. PGs, UGs are getting harrased with overwork and no stipend. Quacks can openly treat patients. In the same country even after passing #FMGE and compensating classes by returning to the university, @NMC_IND is saying it's maliciously obtained certificate and asking FMGs to go 2-3year of internship. FMGs are getting punishment for covid and war from last 4 years. Not to forget the same system which is not offering govt seats to neetug aspirants after getting 600+ marks is also responsible for students moving abroad to study MBBS."

The Foreign Medical Students' Wing of the All India Medical Students' Association (AIMSA-FMSW) has also opposed the move. Speaking to Medical Dialogues, the National Co-Convener of AIMSA FMSW, Dr. Apurv Dalvi told Medical Dialogues, "FMGs clearing one of the tough exam ‘FMGE’ and doing one year of internship which proves their knowledge, skills and only qualified doctors are serving our country according to NMC guidelines which is Right!"

"Also many students from the penultimate year have compensated through extra working hours, any provision by NMC and respective State Medical Council to verify the compensation letter can sort the issue removing the doubts of fake certificate! We hope for a positive response as 3 years of CRMI will definitely hamper students mentally and economically leading their future career at stake!" he further added.

ADAMS Oppose NMC Decision Citing Lack of Clarity: 

The Association of Doctors And Medical Students (ADAMS), an association of FMGs, have also opposed the NMC decision citing lack of clarity on the matter. In a Press Release, the association mentioned that at first, the NMC directive was clear-cut. But referring to the recent NMC notice dated 07.06.2024, it added in the release, "Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) find themselves once again in the dark, uncertain about their future prospects. Instead of shedding light on the path ahead, the statement has only added to the confusion and anxiety among FMGs."

It further mentioned in the release, "...in May 2023, FMGs returning during the COVID-19 pandemic were instructed to resume their medical studies in their countries of study, completing them offline before being eligible to practice in India. However, this directive now appears obsolete. The NMC's recent statement deems compensatory offline classes unacceptable, instead mandating a 2- to 3-year internship regardless of the duration or method of their online studies and any compensatory measures taken offline.

Commenting on the matter, Dr. Renjith, the Founder and Secretary of ADAMS said, "The NMC, as India's apex medical regulatory body, holds significant authority but recent actions raise doubts about fairness and transparency. Instead of scrutinizing FMGs individually, it has adopted a blanket approach, eroding trust and perpetuating mistrust."

The association opined that rather than resorting to sweeping measures, the NMC should investigate fraud cases diligently. By focusing on identifying and penalizing culprits, it can maintain professional integrity and protect law-abiding FMGs.

"Revoking its notice and engaging in constructive dialogue with stakeholders can lead to a more equitable approach. Only through collaborative efforts and proactive measures can the NMC fulfil its mandate of ensuring the highest standards of medical education and practice in India." Dr.Renjith added.

Also Read: TN Health asks FMGs seeking CRMI Training to submit documents, All Details Here