Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, July 10 : Foreign medical graduates interning in various Jammu and Kashmir medical colleges are expressing concern over the decision by the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council to extend internship durations from one year to two, despite completing their education before the Russia-Ukraine war began.
Several students, who completed their education on time from countries like Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Russia, have been served notices changing the internship duration from one year to two, leaving them in chaos and shock. “I finished my degree before the war started. I have even cleared the MCI exam, which should validate my degree,” remarked one student, reflecting the frustration shared by many.
According to the students, the National Medical Commission (NMC) specifies that the extended two-year internship is mandatory only for those who returned to India during their final year due to the pandemic or war disruptions. Students who did not face such interruptions are supposed to undergo a one-year internship.
“My classmates who passed the MCI exam in their first attempt are doing a one-year internship, but I’m being asked to do two years. Why the discrepancy?” questioned another student. She pointed out that their online classes during the pandemic were less than the required duration for the extended internship rule to apply.
The students argue that the notice issued by the NMC on April 29, 2022, clearly states that only those who did not complete their degrees due to COVID-19 or the war must undergo a two-year Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI), not those who finished their degrees earlier.
“This highlights the inconsistent interpretation and implementation of internship rules faced by foreign medical graduates in Jammu and Kashmir,” emphasized the students.
The uncertainty surrounding internship durations has left these graduates anxious about their career paths. They are urging clear & nationally aligned guidelines to ensure fairness and consistency in internship requirements.
Officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council acknowledged receiving student representations but cited administrative challenges hindering significant progress. “Unfortunately, the Dean of Medical Colleges Kashmir is currently on leave after performing Hajj and the acting dean is not briefed on this matter,” an official said.
Khurshid Ahmad, recently appointed as the Dean of Medical Colleges Kashmir, expressed unawareness of the issue but committed to promptly investigating and addressing it. “I have just assumed this role and will ensure this matter is addressed,” he assured.
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