The National Medical Commission (NMC) has extended the permission for Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) in recognised non-teaching hospitals until May 2028, providing significant relief to foreign medical graduates (FMGs) and states facing a shortage of internship seats. The previous extension was valid only until May 2026.
Background of the Decision
Officials stated that the decision was made in response to requests from several state governments, Directors of Medical Education, and State Medical Councils, which have been under pressure due to limited internship slots. The move is expected to benefit thousands of FMGs awaiting internship opportunities across states where teaching hospitals have limited capacity.
Challenges Faced by FMGs
The extension comes amid growing concerns raised by FMGs over delays in the allotment of internship seats, communication gaps between State Medical Councils and NMC, and pending approvals in several states. During a recent meeting with FMG representatives, NMC officials acknowledged that many State Medical Councils were sending queries only to the Undergraduate Medical Education Board, causing delays in responses and clarification of issues.
Officials advised councils to mark the office of the NMC secretary in all communications related to FMG matters to ensure faster resolution. FMG representatives noted that NMC had assured them it would communicate with all State Medical Councils to facilitate internship opportunities in recognised non-teaching hospitals.
Impact on Specific States
The issue has particularly affected FMGs in states such as West Bengal, Assam, Rajasthan, and Delhi, where students have flagged delays in internship approvals and seat allocation. According to FMG associations, NMC officials clarified that it is the responsibility of State Medical Councils to directly communicate with NMC, rather than students repeatedly approaching authorities for resolution of pending matters.
Official Directives and Response
Officials also said that the NMC chairman had personally directed authorities to work towards resolving issues faced by FMGs. FMG groups welcomed the extension, stating it would significantly ease the ongoing internship seat crisis and reduce uncertainty for thousands of medical graduates awaiting registration and training opportunities.
This decision marks a crucial step in addressing the challenges faced by foreign medical graduates in India, ensuring a smoother pathway for their integration into the healthcare system.
