FMGE Aspirants Protest Outside NMC Office Over Eligibility Certificate Delays

A protest is going on outside the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India, where hundreds of foreign-trained doctors have gathered outside the NMC office for their eligibility certificate for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). The foreign-trained doctors are demanding their long-pending eligibility certificates. 

What is the problem? 

The Graduate student claims NMC has delayed eligibility certificates for 1–2 years. Without the certificate, they can’t appear for FMGE or get a licence to practice in India. The All FMGs Association (AFA) accused NMC of “systemic failure” and “irresponsible behaviour.” AFA questioned, “How can verification take 1–2 years?”

Why does it matter?

The Medical graduates who studied abroad are stuck due to certificate delays. The eligibility certificate delay can disrupt their careers. Also Lack of registration for many doctors could strain India’s healthcare system.

What are the graduates demanding?

The Graduates from the aboard urge NMC to issue their eligibility certificates quickly. They want clarity on the verification delay. Also, AFA asked the Health Ministry to intervene.

Students From Older Batches are Affected 

The eligibility certificate delays have been affecting the students' careers who have completed their medical degree from abroad between 2018 and 2020. The students have been studying in different countries like the Philippines, Russia, and Ukraine. And now the students are unable to register themselves for the FGGE despite meeting all the eligibility requirements.  

An AFA member said that the students were admitted under valid regulations at that time, and now certificates are denied due to new verification procedures. They also said that earlier, Medical Council of India (MCI) eligibility certificates were issued promptly within a few days, and now the process can take several months or even years. 

FMGs Urge Health Ministry Intervention

FMGs have urged the health ministry to intervene in this matter: 

• AFA members appealed to the Health Ministry for direct action.
• Asked for immediate clearance of pending eligibility certificates.
• Demanded transparency in the verification process.
• Requested an online tracking system for application status.
• Sought clear reasons for any delay or rejection.
• Highlighted financial burden due to repeated fees and documents.
• Said many FMGs are waiting for an official response despite completing all formalities.

Impact on India’s Healthcare System

Some points will impact India’s healthcare system: 

• Delays hurt India’s healthcare workforce.
• Doctors can’t practice, worsening rural shortages.
• NMC urged to speed up verification.
• FMGs want timely processing and clear updates, not relaxed standards.

What Next? 

As for now, the NMC has not released any official statement about the protest. As well as, The FMGs association has declared that if the issue is not resolved, they will maintain their protest and seek higher-level intervention. Also said the NMC must speed up the verification process and issue the certificate. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: Why are the students protesting outside the NMC office? 

Ans: A Protest is going on outside the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India, where hundreds of foreign-trained doctors have gathered outside the NMC office for their eligibility certificate for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE).

Ques: What are the graduates demanding from NMC? 

Ans: The Graduates from the aboard urge NMC to issue their eligibility certificates quickly. They want clarity on the verification delay. 

Ques: How will this certificate delay impact India’s healthcare system?

Ans:  The certificate delay can cause a big issue for medical students: 

• Delays strain healthcare.
• Doctors stuck, rural shortage grows.
• NMC must speed verification.
• FMGs want updates, not leniency.

Ques: What has NMC said on this protest of medical students? 

Ans: As for now, the NMC has not released any official statement about the protest. As well as, The FMGs association has declared that if the issue is not resolved, they will maintain their protest and seek higher-level intervention.

Ques: How can the students from the older batch be affected by this delay? 

Ans: An AFA member said that the students were admitted under valid regulations at that time, and now certificates are denied due to new verification procedures. It will affect their career.