The DASE and TNMSA–FMG have accused the TNMC of neglect, discrimination, and indignity in the treatment of FMGs.
Published Dec 10, 2025 | 1:48 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 10, 2025 | 1:48 PM
Representative image. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: Foreign Medical Graduates in Tamil Nadu face over one-year delays by TNMC in issuing provisional registration, blocking mandatory internships despite clearing FMGE. FMG associations demand 20% CRMI seat reservation (vs current 7.5%), one-year internships only, training in district hospitals, and hostel facilities. Alleging discrimination, they have announced a hunger protest in Chennai on 6 January 2026.
Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) in Tamil Nadu have expressed concern over delays by the Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC) in issuing provisional eligibility and temporary registration certificates, which are required to begin the mandatory medical internship.
According to a press release by TNMSA–FMG, waiting periods, which earlier lasted a few months, now extend beyond a year, leaving many graduates unable to start their clinical training or join as house surgeons despite clearing the FMG examination.
The TNMSA–FMG and the Doctors’ Association for Social Equality (DASE) have demanded that 20 percent of total CMRI/CRMI seats in medical colleges be reserved for FMGs, instead of the current 7.5 percent allocation.
They have also protested against being assigned 2 to 3 years of internship instead of the mandatory one-year training period.
Additionally, these associations have requested permission to undergo CMRI/CRMI training in district government hospitals and called for the reinstatement of CMRI training for FMGs in 11 newly established government medical colleges.
The DASE and TNMSA–FMG have accused the TNMC of neglect, discrimination, and indignity in the treatment of FMGs.
They have also called for measures to address staff shortages in the TNMC and the establishment of help centres to support Tamil Nadu students studying medicine abroad.
GR Ravindranath, State General Secretary of DASE, stated that many students have suffered due to administrative delays, with some waiting up to six months to receive their certificates.
To highlight these demands, a hunger strike in Chennai has been announced by TNMSA–FMG, scheduled for the first week of January 2026, with a specific mobilisation on January 6, 2026.
The protest aims to press for timely issuance of certificates, fair allocation of CMRI seats, permission to train in district hospitals, and provision of hostel facilities for FMG interns.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
