**Maharashtra Sees Steady Rise in Foreign Medical Graduates Allotted Internships Since NMC’s 2023 Directive**
Mumbai: Maharashtra has witnessed a steady increase in the number of Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) allotted internships since the National Medical Commission (NMC) implemented the process in 2023, following its July 14, 2022 directive. The compulsory one-year internship, known as the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI), is mandatory for FMGs after clearing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE).
According to official figures, 1,280 FMGs were allotted internships in Maharashtra in 2023. This number rose to 1,601 in 2024, marking the highest allocation so far. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, 1,354 FMGs have already received internship placements.
This upward trend reflects the growing integration of FMGs into Maharashtra’s healthcare system and highlights the state’s role as a major hub for medical training.
### Maharashtra as a Major Hub for FMG Training
Health experts point out that Maharashtra, with its large network of government and private medical colleges, attracts the highest share of FMG internships in the country. These placements enable returning graduates to complete mandatory training while helping to address staffing gaps in hospitals—particularly in semi-urban and rural areas.
Under the CRMI framework, FMGs rotate through core departments such as Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Community Medicine. This rotation ensures that graduates gain practical, hands-on experience essential for their careers.
### Surge Driven by Graduates from Abroad
The surge in FMG placements is largely driven by graduates returning from countries like Russia, Ukraine, China, and Central Asia. While this influx strengthens hospital staffing, it has also created pressure on seat availability, prompting the state government to expand capacity in district hospitals to accommodate the growing numbers.
### Challenges Faced by FMGs
Despite these gains, FMGs continue to face challenges. These include stipend disparities compared to Indian medical graduates and uncertainty regarding timely registration after completing the internship.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged authorities to ensure fair stipends and equal opportunities for FMGs. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has cautioned against compromising training standards in state hospitals due to increased intake.
### Potential Benefits for the Healthcare System
Observers believe that, with adequate infrastructure, supervision, and policy support, the rising presence of FMGs in Maharashtra hospitals can significantly strengthen patient care delivery. Furthermore, it can contribute to bridging critical gaps in the state’s healthcare system, particularly in underserved areas.
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*This growing trend underscores Maharashtra’s pivotal role in shaping the future of medical training and healthcare provision in India.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-sees-steady-rise-in-foreign-medical-graduates-allotted-internships-under-crmi-2
