Clarifications for Foreign Medical Graduates from Ukraine and Philippines

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a public notice in response to a multitude of issues and grievances raised by various State Medical Councils (SMCs) and stakeholders. These include Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) from Ukraine and the Philippines. This notice was issued on November 22, 2023.

Therefore, the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board and Ethics and Medical Registration Board of the NMC have issued clarifications to address the difficulties faced by these students.

A. FMGs FROM UKRAINE

I. FMGs who have completed the Medical course in Foreign Medical Institutes shall:

• Obtain Provisional Registration from the concerned State Medical Council.
• Undergo a one-year Clinical Rotatory Internship (CRMI) as per CRMI Regulation, 2021.
• Be Eligible for stipend on par with Indian Medical Graduates.

II. FMGs with a break in their Final year:

• Such FMGs are required to undergo one year of clinical clerkship (CC) in India.
• The medical college may charge a clerkship fee, and after successful completion, they can proceed to CRMI.
• They shall be eligible for stipend during CRMI.

III. FMGs with a break in Penultimate year shall be:

• Required to undergo two years of clinical clerkship with a fee, followed by CRMI.
• Eligible for stipend during CRMI.

IV. Allowing FMGs to continue studies in a different country (except India):

• Extension of the Academic Mobility Program for FMGs returning from Ukraine to complete their remaining medical course within three months.

B. FMGs FROM PHILIPPINES

• BS Course in the Philippines is de-recognized from November 18, 2021.
• FMGs in MD Course on or before November 18, 2021 can complete the course, take FMGE, and undergo a one-year internship for provisional registration.

C. ISSUE OF ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATE (EC) TO FMGs

• Exemption for Indian citizens/OCI who pursued pre-medical education abroad in the academic year 2018-19 & 2019-20 from NEET-UG requirement.
• Requirement of an eligibility certificate from the Medical Council of India for admission in MBBS or equivalent courses.

D. CAPPING OF TIME LIMIT TO QUALIFY FMG EXAMINATION

• The time limit for FMG Examination/NExT is set at 10 years from the completion of training/course in a Foreign Medical Institution.

These clarifications aim to streamline the process for FMGs and address the unique challenges they face, ensuring a fair and standardized approach to their education and registration within the Indian medical system.