Maharashtra News: Delay In Registration Leaves 430 Foreign Medical Graduates In Limbo Despite NMC Guidelines

Mumbai, April 3: Hundreds of foreign medical graduates in Maharashtra remain unable to practice medicine despite meeting all eligibility criteria, raising concerns over delays and inconsistency in regulatory implementation. They allege that they are still awaiting permanent registration from the Maharashtra Medical Council.

Graduates allege delay in MMC registration

Dr. Rachita Dinesh Kurmi, who completed her MBBS from Shandong University’s Cheeloo College of Medicine in China, is among many graduates awaiting registration. She alleged that the MMC is not fully implementing guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission, resulting in delays.

Like many Indian students studying abroad, Dr. Kurmi faced significant challenges during her education, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She cleared the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination in January 2026, completed a one-year internship overseas, and fulfilled all requirements set by the NMC. According to Dr. Kurmi, there are around 430 students who are waiting for permanent registration.

NMC guidelines aim to clarify eligibility

On March 18, 2026, the NMC issued a revised notification clarifying eligibility for foreign medical graduates. The guidelines state that students who enrolled before November 18, 2021, completed their internships abroad, and passed the FMGE should be granted permanent registration without additional requirements. The directive aimed to resolve earlier confusion and ensure uniform implementation across states.

Students report lack of transparency

However, applicants in Maharashtra report continued delays and a lack of transparency from the MMC.

Dr. Sanskruti Patil from Nashik, who also completed her MBBS in China, finished her one-year internship and cleared FMGE in January 2026, said she is still awaiting registration to pursue further studies. “MMC is not giving a concrete reply. They are giving vague answers and, surprisingly, different responses to different students,” she said.

Students claim that repeated visits to the council office have yielded no definitive answers. Requests for written clarification have reportedly been denied, while responses to Right to Information (RTI) applications have been vague and delayed.

“We are qualified, but not allowed to work,” Dr. Patil added.

Concerns over additional internship demands

Some students also claim they are being informally advised to undertake one to two additional years of internship in India, despite already completing mandatory training abroad. If implemented, such requirements could delay careers and impose financial strain.

Protests planned amid ongoing uncertainty

With no resolution in sight, affected students are now organising protests to demand implementation of the NMC guidelines. A Right to Education activist supporting the students has raised concerns about possible administrative lapses and lack of accountability.

The graduates are urging authorities to grant permanent registration in line with the NMC’s March 18 notification, establish a fast-track mechanism for processing applications, and ensure transparency and uniform implementation across states.

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MMC responds to concerns

Responding to queries, Dr. Vinky Rughwani, administrator of the Maharashtra Medical Council, said the council has always acted as a student-friendly organisation. “At the same time, we cannot deviate from guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission. Each application needs to be examined with due care. Injustice will not be done to anyone,” he said.

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