Jharkhand approves stipend for FMG interns

Ranchi: In a major relief for Foreign Medical Graduates ((FMGs), the Jharkhand government has approved internship opportunities along with stipend facilities for the medicos serving in state medical colleges and hospitals.

The decision has been taken in line with the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, which will help FMGs complete their internship for registration with the State Medical Council.

The move comes after months of concerns raised by FMGs over not receiving any stipend during their internship. Earlier, the Foreign Medical Students Wing of All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA FMSW) had written to the Chief Minister, highlighting that despite a 2022 Supreme Court directive mandating a stipend for all medical interns, including FMGs, many were working long hours, around 12 to 14 hours daily, without any remuneration.

The association had pointed out that this was causing serious financial stress, forcing many interns to depend on their families even after significant educational qualifications and clearing licensing exams in India.

However, in a recent Cabinet meeting, the government announced that medical graduates in the state will now receive stipends during their internship, an issue that had been pending for years.

As a result, the FMGs will receive stipend in parity with their Indian Medical Graduates (IMG) counterparts.

Following the government’s announcement, AIMSA FMSW has welcomed the decision and expressed gratitude to the authorities. 

In a letter to the Medical Education Minister, the association said the approval of the stipend is a long-pending demand and comes after continuous follow-up for the past two years.

"This historic decision reflects the Government's commitment towards fairness, motivation, and welfare of young doctors contributing to the healthcare system of Jharkhand. The approval of stipend support will significantly strengthen morale among FMGs and ensure equitable training opportunities," said the association in the letter. 

Commenting on the matter, Dr Asbab Ahsan Adbi, State president, Jharkhand, AIMSA FMSW, told Medical Dialogues, "It is a moment of profound relief and immense pride to finally see the Jharkhand government approve the stipend for Foreign Medical Graduates, bringing us to parity with our IMG counterparts as mandated by the Supreme Court in 2022. For too long, we navigated a frustrating gap between judicial orders and ground reality."

He said that many of us are 25 years or older, and the burden of being financially dependent on our parents for basic needs while serving on the front lines was a weight that became increasingly difficult to bear. 

"This victory is not just about the financial support; it is about the recognition of our labour and the validation of our dignity as medical professionals in this state. This achievement belongs to every intern who stood firm and to the entire AIMSA Jharkhand team that turned our individual frustrations into a collective, unstoppable force. I am deeply grateful to the AIMSA Central team for their constant guidance and for being our backbone throughout this movement. A special thanks must also go to Dr Prabhat, Civil Surgeon, Ranchi, and Dr Bimlesh Singh, President of JHASA, whose support was instrumental in helping us navigate the administrative hurdles. We began this journey fighting in isolation, but through our unified efforts, we have ensured a fairer and more equitable future for every FMG in Jharkhand. Thank you to the whole team for your unwavering patience and resilience," Dr Ashab said. 

Dr Keshav Priyanshu, National Joint Secretary of AIMSA FMSW, said, "We sincerely welcome the recent step taken by the Government of Jharkhand to initiate the release of pending stipends for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs). This decision brings much-needed relief to many young doctors who have been facing financial and professional challenges due to prolonged delays. We are going to meet the health minister of Jharkhand in the coming week and thank him for this revolutionary decision."

Also read- Supreme Court orders 5 Jharkhand Medical Colleges to Pay Rs 25K Stipend to FMG Interns