FMGs protest over stipend, registration delays, Rajasthan medical council assures solution
Jaipur: Despite directions from the Supreme Court and the National Medical Commission (NMC), Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) in Rajasthan allegedly continue to face delays in stipend disbursement and permanent registration.
Dissappointed over this, the medicos held a peaceful protest recently, and the Rajasthan Medical Council (RMC) assured that all pending permanent registration applications would be processed at the earliest.
The protest, held on Monday, was organised by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA). The medicos alleged that they have not been receiving stipends during their compulsory internship despite the Supreme Court's directions and the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines mandating stipend parity with Indian medical graduates during the compulsory internship, along with early issuance of permanent registration to eligible candidates.
The protest also highlighted the long-pending issue of permanent registration, as many FMGs continue to face delays and are being denied permanent registration without clear justification.
Also read- Relief for FMGs: Rajasthan medical council opens applications for vacant internship seats, details
Following the protest, a FAIMA delegation, led by Chief Advisor Dr Jaswant Singh, met the Registrar of the Rajasthan Medical Council along with FMG representatives. During the meeting, the Registrar assured the delegation that all pending permanent registration (PR) applications would be processed and issued as early as possible.
The delegation also met officials of the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) to discuss the stipend issue. During the meeting, FAIMA submitted copies of the Supreme Court judgment and the NMC guidelines.
According to FAIMA, DME officials said they had previously forwarded proposals seeking financial approval for FMG stipends on four to five occasions, but the proposals could not be approved. The officials further informed the delegation that, following the Supreme Court judgment, the DME has now written to the National Medical Commission (NMC) seeking clarification. Once the Commission's response is received, the proposal for FMG stipend approval will again be forwarded for financial clearance.
FAIMA demands immediate implementation of the Supreme Court's directions, compliance with NMC guidelines, timely payment of stipends to FMGs, and early issuance of permanent registration to all eligible candidates.
Speaking to Medical Dialogues, FAIMA FMG In-charge, Dr Samar Kumar said, "We sincerely thank all the FMGs who participated in the peaceful protest. We also extend our gratitude to the entire FAIMA team for their continuous support and efforts in pursuing justice for the FMG community."
