The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has alerted the Union Health Ministry and the National Medical Commission (NMC) about significant delays in internship placements for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs). FAIMA warns these delays could impact FMGs preparing for the NEET PG 2027 postgraduate entrance exam.
Around 346 FMGs in Delhi who passed the FMGE December 2025 exam have waited five months for internship assignments. They are eligible for the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI).
Internship Seat Shortages Cited
FAIMA reported that medical colleges and hospitals are reluctant to offer internship seats to FMGs. Reasons include budget constraints and uncertainty over stipend payments. Document verification and seat allocation processes also face delays.
These delays are not isolated to Delhi. Similar issues are reported in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Odisha, and Bihar. Some FMGs have experienced internship placement delays ranging from months to two years.
Impact on NEET PG 2027 Aspirants
FAIMA stated that prolonged internship waits can have serious consequences. These include:
- Reduced time for NEET PG 2027 preparation.
- Delayed eligibility for postgraduate entrance exams.
- Postponed starts to medical careers.
- Increased financial and mental stress for graduates and families.
- Underutilization of qualified medical professionals amid healthcare workforce shortages.
FAIMA's Demands
FAIMA urged the Health Ministry and NMC to take immediate action. Key demands include:
- Immediate internship allotment for the 346 FMGs in Delhi.
- Accelerated document verification and seat allocation.
- A fixed national timeline for internship placements.
- Resolution of stipend disputes and equal stipend provisions for FMGs.
- Increased FMG internship seat capacity from 7.5% to 20-30%.
- Development of a sustainable framework for future FMG batches.
Future Batches at Risk
FAIMA cautioned that the approaching FMGE June 2026 exam will create another eligible batch of FMGs. Without intervention, the current backlog could worsen. This could further affect postgraduate medical aspirants and healthcare services.
The internship allotment crisis is a major concern for FMGs nationwide. FAIMA seeks urgent intervention from the central government and NMC. Thousands of FMGs await clarification on placements essential for their careers and future exam eligibility.
