Jammu & Kashmir: FMGs licensing challenges in Jammu and Kashmir are grappling with significant hurdles in obtaining licenses to practice medicine, primarily due to stringent registration requirements and extended internship mandates. These obstacles have raised concerns about the integration of qualified medical professionals into the region’s healthcare system.
A primary hurdle for FMGs licensing challenges in Jammu & Kashmir is the compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI). In December 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council reduced the CRMI duration from two years to one, aligning with National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines. This decision provided relief to many FMGs. However, discrepancies persist, particularly for graduates from countries like China, who are now required to undertake an additional two-year internship to secure permanent registration. This extension has been met with criticism, as it delays their eligibility for postgraduate exams and government employment opportunities.
The scarcity of internship slots in government medical colleges further exacerbates the situation. FMGs who passed their exams in June 2024 have reported a critical shortage of available positions, attributing the issue to inadequate management by the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council. This bottleneck forces many graduates to wait extended periods before commencing their internships, delaying their entry into the medical workforce.
Additionally, the absence of examination centers within the region poses logistical challenges. Currently, FMGs must travel to cities like Delhi to sit for the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), incurring significant travel and accommodation expenses. In November 2024, graduates advocated for establishing an examination center in Srinagar to alleviate these burdens, but as of now, no such facility has been instituted.
The low pass rates of FMGs in qualifying exams further complicate the licensing process. In 2023, only 16.65% of candidates cleared the FMGE, highlighting concerns about the quality of medical education abroad and the preparedness of graduates. This statistic underscores the need for comprehensive support systems to assist FMGs in meeting the stringent standards required for medical practice in India.
In response to these challenges, FMGs are calling for policy reforms to streamline the licensing process. They advocate for increased transparency in registration requirements, expansion of internship opportunities, and the establishment of local examination centers. Addressing these issues is crucial for integrating qualified medical professionals into Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare system, especially given the region’s need for skilled practitioners.
In conclusion, FMGs licensing challenges in Jammu and Kashmir face multifaceted challenges in obtaining licenses to practice medicine. The combination of stringent registration requirements, extended internship mandates, limited internship slots, and logistical hurdles underscores the need for systemic reforms. Implementing these changes will not only benefit the graduates but also enhance the overall healthcare delivery in the region.
