DMC Advocates for FMG Internship at Non-Teaching Hospitals, Writes to NMC Member

New Delhi: Advocating for conducting FMG (Foreign Medical Graduates) Internship at non-teaching hospitals, the Delhi Medical Council (DMC) has once against reached out to the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Last month, DMC wrote a letter in this regard to the NMC Undergraduate Medical Education Board's (UGMEB) President Dr. Aruna V Vanikar. Highlighting its suggestions again, the Council recently wrote to NMC member Dr. A K Mohanan. 

The Council highlighted that it received applications from 230 individuals who cleared the Foreign Medical Graduate Examinations (FMGE), the screening test. However, on the other hand, DMC pointed out that there are only 60 internship seats available in various medical colleges/institutions.

"Following the recent declaration of the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE) results by the National Board of Examinations in February 2024, we have received a applications from 230 individuals who are residents of Delhi, holding both Delhi passport and Aadhar Card. However, the available internship seats in various medical colleges/institutions in Delhi stand at a mere 60. Ever Delhi domicile FMG's can not be allotted internship," DMC mentioned in the letter dated 07.05.2024.

Also Read: Allow Internships at Non-Teaching Hospitals: FMGs Urge NMC

Pointing out that it cannot accommodate the overwhelming number of aspiring interns, DMC urged Dr. Mohanan to consider a viable solution by allowing FMGs to undergo internship training in non-medical colleges.

"Regrettably, the current scenario poses a significant challenge as we are unable to accommodate the overwhelming number of aspiring interns, which exceeds 1000 applicants. This situation calls for urgent intervention to ensure that the interests and aspirations of these individuals, particularly those from Delhi, are not compromised," DMC mentioned in the letter.

"In light of the above, I would like to request your esteemed office to consider a viable solution that would enable us to address this pressing issue effectively. Given the limited availability of internship seats in medical colleges. I propose that the option of allowing FMGs to undergo internship training in Non-Medical colleges be explored with the bed capacity of 2300 and to the institutes/hospitals which are recognized as Post Graduate teaching institute by NBEMS. This alternative would not only alleviate the current bottleneck but also ensure that deserving candidates have the opportunity to pursue their internship training without undue delay," it further mentioned.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that recently highlighting the lack of availability of internship seats, the FMGs had urged the NMC to allow FMGs to undergo the mandatory internship at the non-teaching hospitals as well.

In an email addressed to the Apex Medical Education Regulatory Body, the All FMGs Association (AFA) had pointed out that the current available seats in teaching hospitals are not sufficient to accommodate the number of qualified medical graduates from abroad. Due to this, several foreign medical graduates in the State are facing uncertainty and professional stagnation, the association argued.

AFA had urged the NMC to consider its proposal and take decision action to address the plights of the FMGs, adding that the Commission's support in the matter is crucial for the future of many aspiring medical professionals and the overall well-being of our healthcare system.

Recently AFA had a meeting with Dr. Aruna Vanikar, the NMC UGMEB President, to discuss allowing non-teaching hospitals for internships. "The feedback was favorable, and implementation is expected soon," the association mentioned in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter).

Referring to the recent letter by DMC, AFA mentioned in an X post, "@NMC_IND has not yet responded to the request for allowing non-teaching hospitals for internships, despite the shortage of seats in multiple states. DMC( @GirishTyagiDMC) has sent another letter today. Approximately 40 FMGs visited @NMC_IND again yesterday to discuss the allowance of non-teaching hospitals. There seems to be ongoing resistance towards FMGs. It's been three months, and FMGs are still waiting for their internships to begin."

Social and Political activist Dr. Vivek Pandey has also filed a Right to Information (RTI) application before NMC regarding validation of non-teaching hospitals for FMGs' internships.

"FMGs in Delhi face uncertainty as shortage of internship seats. With only 60 seats available for over 1000 applicants, aspiring doctors are left in limbo," Dr. Pandey mentioned in an X post.

Also Read: Non-payment of stipend, Lack of seats, 3-year internship rule: Doctors meet NMC officials to raise issues of FMGs