MBBS interns demand NEET PG 2022 in June/July, ask for internship extension to October 2022

The Gujarat Intern Doctors' Association (GIDA) has written a letter to Dr. Anil Nayak, a member of the National Medical Commission, and pointed out that almost 8032 aspirants would be barred from appearing in the exam as they would complete their internship after June. Standing in solidarity with GIDA, FAIMA and IMA JDN also supported the demand of the doctors. 

"NBE declared the tentative date for NEET PG 2022 as 12th March, which has created fear in many interns across India who may be not eligible for the Exam. Taking into consideration, Past NEET PG Exams and its eligibility criteria, generally NEET PG was held in January, and Internship Completion Criteria was 31st March. So, as per this scenario for NEET PG 2022, Criteria will be 31st May or maximum 30th June if extended", the association stated in the letter.

However, the association also stated that they carried out a survey across India to gather information about the completion date of internship and there are almost 8032 interns in 10 states of the country including North Gujarat University who will not be eligible for NEET PG 2022 as their internship will complete after 30th June, 2022.

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr. Meet Ghonia of BJMC Ahmedabad stated, " The reason for late starting of their internship is the postponment of their final MBBS exam because of 2nd COVID wave. The final year exams were deferred and the doctors were deployed in COVID duties to arrange man power. Hence, they started their internship late and most of them will complete it by October 2022. Hence, most of them will be unable to appear for the NEET PG exam as per the criteria."

"Moreover, NEET PG counselling for 2021 is going to take place in March. It will take almost a month but the tentative date for NEET PG 2022 as 12th March. Hence, the medicos who failed to qualify in last exam will have little time to appear for exam. So, we request to hold the exams in June or July, and the internship cutt off date for the same to be kept as 15th October 2022 so that justivce is served to all the aspirants of batch 2016 accross India", added Dr. Ghonia.

In the letter to the minister, GIDA further added, " We request urgent intervention of you in this matter of utmost importance. We are hopeful that the amicable solution will be provided in due time to avoid injustice to the aspirants".