Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 13: The Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) currently interning in various medical Colleges across J&K today demanded a stipend on par with that of Indian Medical Graduates (IMGs).
A number of these doctors staged a silent protest, holding placards highlighting their demands, at Sher-e-Kashmir park, alleging that the administration was selective in implementing the guidelines as per their convenience.
“We have completed our MBBS studies outside India, and we perform the same amount of work alongside other doctors. However, we are not receiving the stipend, which goes against the directions of the NMC and the Supreme Court,” said Dr Sadaf, one of the FMGs.
She said that they should receive it without any further delay because they have been pursuing this matter for nearly a year now. “While the authorities acknowledge our demands and agree that we are entitled to it, they cite policy changes that will take time to implement,” she said.
The doctors added that the authorities are not willing to provide it for their batch but suggest it might be applicable for the next batch. “The internship period is essential, and we work 24-hour shifts. It is unfair that we are not compensated accordingly,” the doctors said.
Another doctor who identified himself as Arsalan said he, along with others, moved outside India for MBBS keeping in view the limited number of seats at that time. “That left us no choice but to seek education elsewhere for a better future. This is not a crime.”
He said that there has been a historical disparity between Foreign Medical Graduates (FMG) and Indian Medical Graduates (IMG), noting that the NMC has initiated rule changes to bring about equality.
“However, the administration seems to selectively implement these changes to their advantage. The Supreme Court has directed for equal rights; currently, it feels like we are being treated as bonded laborers. This disparity must come to an end, and we should receive what we rightfully deserve,” he said.
The aggrieved doctors said that the administration has informed them that the process will take time, but after months of waiting, they said that they cannot wait any longer.
“We are not demanding any additional facilities, just what is rightfully ours. Every year, 200-300 FMGs come to India; in Assam, our counterparts receive equal facilities and a stipend of Rs 30,000, whereas here, they are reluctant to even provide us with Rs 12,000,” they said.
The FMGs urged the LG administration and Secretary H&ME to address the matter promptly and conclusively so that they can enjoy equal rights. “If necessary, we are prepared to file a petition in court,” they said.
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