Tension Escalates as FMGs Protest Enters Fifth Day in Andhra
Vijayawada: The protest by Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) in Andhra Pradesh has reached its fifth day, with tensions running high after police intervention on the campus of NTR University of Health Sciences. Several protesters were reportedly detained as police attempted to disperse the gathering, drawing strong criticism from the meedicos
Speaking to Medical Dialogues, one of the protesting student expressed frustration over the timing and manner of the crackdown. “It is ironic how they are treating us doctors on Doctors' Day,” said the medico.
The protestors are demanding the immediate issuance of permanent registrations, a process that has remained stalled for over a year.
Despite two General Body Meetings (GBMs) held earlier, where authorities reportedly agreed to key demands—particularly concerning registration issuance—the delay continues. “The Registrar, who holds the administrative authority to implement these changes, is intentionally stalling the process. The university claims the Registrar is on leave. However, protestors argue that under institutional regulations, if an official is on leave for more than three days, an acting Registrar should be appointed. If he is in such an incompetent condition, he should resign so someone more capable can take charge,” the medico added.
The protesters have been highlighting their ongoing 14-month-long struggle, demanding their legitimate right to practice after fulfilling all formalities. The situation intensified further when, during a peaceful attempt to approach the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council (APMC) chairman for dialogue, police allegedly resorted to force. “We only surrounded his car to request a conversation, but instead we were met with aggression,” said the protesting doctor.
Sharing snippets and videos of the protest, All FMGs Association has stated, “The behavior of the Andhra Pradesh police is utterly brutal. It's heartbreaking to see doctors sitting on the roads, peacefully demanding their rights. Despite completing their internships, the APMC registrar is still refusing to issue permanent registration, even after the NMC has served a notice to APMC. Now, police personnel are forcibly removing these doctors for demanding what is rightfully theirs. Such a shameful act.”
Previously, Medical Dialogues reported that (FMGs) in Andhra Pradesh were on a hunger strike, protesting against the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council’s (APMC) continued refusal to issue permanent registrations for more than one year despite the students having fully complied with the guidelines set by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
