104 FMGs left out from internship allotment in WB, medicos seek CM Adhikari's intervention
The graduates alleged that no proper counselling for FMG internships had been conducted in West Bengal for nearly one and a half years, despite NMC guidelines requiring counselling to be held twice annually. Due to the delay, around 370 FMGs were waiting for internship allotment in the state.
According to the representation, counselling was finally conducted on May 21, 2026, during which 266 candidates were allotted internship seats. However, 104 eligible FMGs were left without allotment.
Also read- WB FMGs await internship months after clearing screening test, seek CM intervention
The FMGs pointed out that the NMC had already approved an increase in internship capacity for FMGs in West Bengal government medical colleges to around 1,067 seats. Despite this, they alleged that only 266 seats were released by Swasthya Bhawan, citing lack of financial approval from the Finance Department for the remaining candidates.
"We have also been informed that a proposal regarding internship seats has been pending with the Finance Department for a long period. Meanwhile, other states such as Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra are already implementing the NMC-approved FMG internship seat matrix properly," they said in the representation.
Highlighting the impact of the delay, the FMGs stated that if they are unable to begin their internships before June or July 2026, many of them could become ineligible for the NEET-PG 2027 examination, resulting in the loss of an academic year.
"As per NMC regulations, if the internship is not completed within the prescribed period after qualifying for FMGE, our medical degrees may become invalid, putting our entire medical career at risk," they added.
Seeking immediate action, the FMGs requested the Chief Minister to direct allotment of internship seats to the remaining 104 candidates, implement the full NMC-approved internship seat matrix in West Bengal, ensure FMG counselling is conducted twice every year as mandated by NMC norms, and prevent delays in financial and administrative approvals affecting internship allotments.
"We have devoted years of hard work to become doctors and only seek the opportunity to complete our mandatory internship and serve society," the FMGs stated in their appeal while urging the government to resolve the issue at the earliest.
He further added, "Many FMGs have reached a point where they are willing to join internships even without receiving a stipend. That shows how desperate the situation has become. I personally know a female FMG who cleared FMGE in June 2024 and is still waiting for internship allotment. We just want to save our future."
Dr. Samar Kumar, Vice President, AIMSA-FMSW) said, "NMC should take proactive measures to resolve the issues faced by FMGs in various State Medical Councils and instruct the councils to frame a proper timeline for the commencement of internships. Despite having more than 1000 internship seats available in West Bengal, the authorities have not provided internships to FMGs for the last 1–1.5 years. This is truly shameful for our medical system. We respectfully request the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal to take prompt action on this issue."
