Urgent : Call for Equitable Treatment of Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs)
The latest directive from #UGMEB@NMC_IND represents a severe blow to thousands of Foreign Medical Graduates #FMGs .This is a matter of urgent concern that threatens to dismantle the hard-earned careers of many dedicated individuals.
In response to the UGMEB’s recent circular (No. U.15024/01/2022-UGMEB dated 9th May 2023) and the public notice issued on December 7th, 2023, we seek to address the implications of the new guidelines for Foreign Medical Graduates #FMGs .
Key Points of Concern:
1.Rejection of Blended Learning Certificates:
•The UGMEB’s decision to reject certificates from FMGs who completed online theory classes supplemented with offline practical training, as mentioned in clause (x) of point 3 of the circular, overlooks the legitimacy and necessity of such educational arrangements during unprecedented times.
•We believe that this measure does not adequately reflect the reality faced by many FMGs, who had no option but to adapt to online learning modes due to global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This adaptation was not only lawful but essential to ensure continuity in their education.
2.Extended Internship Requirements:
•The requirement for FMGs to undergo a Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) for a period of two to three years (repeating a 12-month schedule) is disproportionately burdensome. This far exceeds the standard internship duration and imposes an excessive delay on the professional progression of FMGs.
•This policy appears to be inconsistent with the principle of proportionality and fairness, as it places an undue hardship on FMGs compared to their counterparts who completed their education within India under similar conditions.
Legal and Ethical Considerations:
•Equality and Non-Discrimination: According to Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, FMGs should be treated equitably and without discrimination. The UGMEB’s stance on rejecting valid blended learning certificates and extending internship periods disproportionately affects FMGs.
•Legitimacy of Blended Learning: Educational institutions worldwide have adopted online learning during emergencies. Dismissing this mode of education without substantial grounds undermines the adaptive efforts made by FMGs and their institutions under extraordinary circumstances.
•Right to Profession: Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution provides the right to practice any profession. By imposing unreasonable barriers on FMGs, their ability to practice their chosen profession in a timely manner is being hindered, which could be seen as a violation of their rights.
Call for Fairness and Dialogue:
We urge the UGMEB @NMC_IND to reconsider and amend these guidelines to:
•Acknowledge Blended Learning: Recognize the validity of online theory classes supplemented with offline practical training for FMGs, as long as they meet the educational standards required.
•Reevaluate Internship Duration: Align the CRMI duration for FMGs with the standard internship period to ensure fair and equitable treatment.
•Engage in Dialogue: Establish a platform for constructive dialogue with #FMGs representatives to address their concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions.
Let’s Work Together for a Just and Equitable Medical Education System.
We believe that with collaborative efforts, we can create policies that reflect fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the diverse paths taken by medical graduates.
#FairPolicies #JusticeForFMGs #HealthcareEquity @udfaindia
@AllIndiaFMGs
Dear @NMC_IND stop harassing FMGs, stop taking instructions/cash from private medical college mafias and suppressing FMGs. Your discrimination against FMGs is already on peak, stop releasing useless notices out of your boredom🙏
#withdraw_nmc_notice
Listen @NMC_IND we are not labour. We are not getting any stipend and saying we have to 2-3 year internship. Is it NOT justified.
I don’t know why you always targeting the FMGs.
NMC has released new rules for FMGs making it compulsory to do 2-3 years of internship as per an old circular regulations .
MBBS Normal Duration: 5- 5.5 Years
MBBS normal duration for FMGs who studied online = 6+3 years of internship + 1-2 year of cracking FMG exam = 10 years
With this rule MBBS degree for FMGs should be considered in “Guinness book of records” for the longest duration degree in the world
If NMC has issues with FMGs they should clarify and stop Medical students from studying abroad
If this is not discrimination against FMGs then I don’t know what is !