Hundreds of Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) protested outside the National Medical Commission (NMC) office in Delhi. They demanded the immediate release of long-pending eligibility certificates. These documents are essential for FMGs to sit for the **Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE)**, a mandatory step for obtaining a medical practice license in India.
The protest, organized by the All FMGs Association (AFA), highlighted significant delays. FMGs stated the NMC’s withholding of certificates prevented them from taking multiple FMGE attempts. Missing these exam cycles delays their ability to practice medicine in the country.
Allegations of Systemic Failure
The AFA accused the NMC of ‘systemic failure’ and ‘irresponsible behaviour.’ The student body claims the commission disregarded its own guidelines for issuing these vital certificates. An AFA post on X highlighted the impact, stating FMGs ‘are left to suffer due to unnecessary delays.’
Students questioned the reasoning behind the prolonged delays. They report the NMC has not issued eligibility certificates for years, citing ‘verification’ as the cause. Protesters asked, ‘What kind of verification takes 1–2 years to complete?’ They called the situation ‘a clear case of systemic failure and irresponsible behavior.’
Demands and Appeals
The FMGs’ organization has appealed to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. They urged Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda to address their concerns. Students are requesting priority resolution of the certificate issuance issues.
Challenges with FMGL Regulations
This protest follows another recent gathering. Earlier this month, approximately 200 parents protested outside the NMC office against the **Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) 2021 regulations**. These rules present significant challenges for many FMGs, particularly those who studied in the Philippines.
Key issues stemming from the 2021 regulations include non-recognition of pre-medical courses, problems with eligibility, and difficulties with licensing and college transfers. The AFA has requested a one-time exemption from these specific regulations to alleviate student hardship.
Broader Regulatory Context
The NMC recently took action against foreign institutions. The commission blacklisted four foreign medical colleges located in Belize and Uzbekistan. It also issued an advisory to Indian students regarding unauthorized offshore medical programs. This underscores ongoing regulatory scrutiny within foreign medical education.
FMGs continue to seek transparent and timely processes from the NMC. They emphasize the need for predictable pathways to medical practice in India, free from administrative delays and unclear regulations.