Foreign medical graduates seek equal stipend

A delegation of Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during his recent visit to Nerchowk Medical College, Mandi, urging the state government to ensure equal stipends for FMGs undergoing internships in government medical institutions across Himachal Pradesh.

The FMGs submitted a memorandum to the CM, drawing attention to the disparity in stipends between Indian medical graduates and FMGs during their compulsory rotatory internships. They highlighted that hundreds of FMGs are presently interning at various medical colleges and hospitals in the state, performing identical duties and responsibilities as their Indian counterparts, including patient care, ward duties, emergency services and hospital activities.

Despite delivering equal services, FMGs alleged that they are denied the same stipend as Indian medical graduates, calling the practice discriminatory and unjust. The memorandum emphasised that most FMGs are permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh and equally committed to serving the healthcare needs of the community. The unequal treatment, they argued, not only undermines their contributions but also places them under financial strain during their internship period.

The delegation cited a circular issued by the Government of India (Circular Order No. U.15024/4/2022-UGMEB), which mandates that foreign medical graduates undergoing internships should be paid the same stipend as Indian medical graduates. They urged the CM to ensure strict compliance with this directive at the state level.

Expressing optimism, the FMGs said they hoped the state government would take a sympathetic and prompt decision to resolve the issue. They also appealed for the immediate implementation of an equal-stipend policy to help them meet their daily expenses and continue their medical training without financial stress.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with the CM assuring the delegation that their concerns would be taken up seriously and addressed appropriately.