NEW DELHI: In a major relief for foreign medical graduates (FMGs) and states struggling with shortage of internship seats, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has extended permission for Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) in recognised non-teaching hospitals till May 2028.The earlier extension was valid only till May 2026. Officials said the latest decision was taken following requests from several state governments, Directors of Medical Education and State Medical Councils facing pressure on availability of internship slots.The move is expected to benefit thousands of FMGs awaiting internship opportunities across states where teaching hospitals have limited capacity.The extension comes amid growing concerns raised by FMGs over delays in 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, resulting in 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 said NMC had also assured them that it would communicate with all State Medical Councils to facilitate internship opportunities in recognised non-teaching hospitals.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 was the responsibility of State Medical Councils to directly communicate with NMC instead of students repeatedly approaching authorities for resolution of pending matters.Officials also said the NMC chairman had personally directed authorities to work towards resolving issues faced by FMGs.FMG groups welcomed the extension, saying it would significantly ease the ongoing internship seat crisis and reduce uncertainty for thousands of medical graduates awaiting registration and training opportunities.
