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Medical Students Urge Govt to Scrap Onsite Training Rule for FMGs

The All India Medical Students Association has written to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, expressing serious concern over a National Medical Commission notice. The notice mandates Foreign Medical Graduates to undergo compulsory onsite training to compensate for online classes attended during the COVID-19 pandemic. AIMSA argues the shift to online education was beyond students' control and that imposing retrospective requirements is unfair. The association urges the government to withdraw the notice and provide an exemption for students affected by pandemic disruptions.

Key Points: NMC Onsite Training Notice for FMGs Sparks Student Protest

  • NMC notice mandates onsite training for online pandemic classes
  • AIMSA calls it an unfair retrospective burden
  • FMGs already must pass FMGE/NEXT and internship
  • Association seeks immediate notice withdrawal
  • Requests exemption for pandemic-affected students
3 min read

AIMSA urges govt to withdraw NMC notice mandating onsite training for FMGs

AIMSA writes to Health Minister JP Nadda, seeking withdrawal of NMC's mandatory onsite compensation rule for Foreign Medical Graduates' online pandemic classes.

"Imposing retrospective requirements now places an unfair burden on FMGs - AIMSA Letter"

New Delhi, March 12

The All India Medical Students Association on Thursday wrote to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, seeking intervention over a recent notice issued by the National Medical Commission regarding physical onsite training for online classes attended by Foreign Medical Graduates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter addressed to the Minister, AIMSA expressed "serious concern" regarding the NMC notice, which requires FMGs to undergo compulsory onsite classes for the online education undertaken during the pandemic period.

The association stated that during the pandemic, universities across the world had shifted to online education due to lockdowns and travel restrictions, a transition that was beyond the control of students. It said imposing retrospective requirements now places an unfair burden on FMGs who pursued their education in accordance with the rules prevailing at that time.

"The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) wishes to express serious concern regarding the recent notice issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) mandating compulsory onsite compensation for online classes undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic by Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs). During the pandemic, universities across the world shifted to online education due to lockdowns and travel restrictions. This transition was beyond the control of students. Imposing retrospective requirements now places an unfair burden on FMGs who pursued their education in accordance with the rules prevailing at that time," the letter said.

AIMSA further noted that FMGs are already required to qualify for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the National Exit Test (NEXT) and complete a mandatory internship in India, which adequately ensures their competence.

In its letter, the association urged the government to immediately withdraw the NMC notice mandating onsite compensation and provide an exemption to students affected by pandemic-related disruptions.

It also requested that new regulations should not be implemented retrospectively for students who had enrolled under previous rules. AIMSA appealed to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to intervene in the matter and ensure fairness and justice for affected FMG students.

"FMGs are already required to qualify the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) / NEXT and complete mandatory internship in India, which adequately ensures their competence. In view of this, AIMSA respectfully requests: 1) Immediate withdrawal of the NMC notice mandating onsite compensation. 2) Exemption for students affected by pandemic-related disruptions. 3) No retrospective implementation of new regulations for students enrolled under previous rules. We humbly request the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to kindly intervene and ensure fairness and justice for affected FMG students," said the letter.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone with family in the medical field, I understand both sides. Patient safety is paramount, so some practical training is essential. But a balanced solution is needed—perhaps a streamlined, focused onsite module instead of a full repeat of classes? The retrospective application is the main issue.
V
Vikram M
Completely agree with AIMSA. Yeh toh ulta seedh baat ho gayi. During COVID, even Indian colleges had online classes. Why single out FMGs? They have to clear a tough screening exam and do internship here. That should be enough. Government should listen to the students' union on this.
P
Priyanka N
While I sympathize with the students, we must ensure every doctor practicing in India is fully competent. Medicine isn't just theory. However, the NMC should have planned this transition better. A sudden notice causes unnecessary stress and financial burden. Hope a middle path is found.
R
Rohit P
This is about justice. You can't punish students for a global situation. Many FMGs are from middle-class families who invested crores in education. Now asking for more time and money is wrong. Health Minister should definitely intervene. #SupportFMGs
K
Karthik V
The NMC's intention to maintain standards is good, but the execution is poor. This notice creates more confusion. They should issue clear, prospective guidelines for future batches and provide a reasonable solution for pandemic-affected students, like a bridge course.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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