AIMSA Urges Centre to Withdraw NMC Notice on Onsite Compensation for Foreign Medical Graduates
New Delhi, March 12, KNT: The All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) has urged the Union Health Ministry to reconsider a recent notice issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) mandating onsite compensation for online classes undertaken by Foreign Medical Graduates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a letter addressed to Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, the association expressed concern over the directive, stating that the requirement could place an unfair burden on thousands of students who pursued their medical education during the pandemic.
The representation said universities across the world had shifted to online learning during the COVID-19 outbreak due to lockdowns and travel restrictions, a transition that was beyond the control of students.
AIMSA said imposing retrospective requirements now could adversely affect Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) who had pursued their courses according to the regulations prevailing at the time.
According to the association, FMGs are already required to qualify the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination and complete mandatory internship in India before being allowed to practice medicine, which ensures the competence of the graduates.
The association has requested the Health Ministry to withdraw the notice mandating onsite compensation for online classes taken during the pandemic.
It also sought exemption for students affected by pandemic-related disruptions and urged authorities not to apply new regulations retrospectively to students who enrolled under earlier rules.
The letter was submitted by Mohammad Moomin Khan, Acting President for Jammu and Kashmir and National Representative of AIMSA.
The association appealed to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to intervene and ensure fairness for students affected by the policy.
The issue has gained attention among medical students and Foreign Medical Graduates across the country who are seeking clarity on regulatory requirements affecting their medical qualifications. [KNT]
