AIMSA-FMSW, AP Engages with Andhra Pradesh Officials on Key Issues Affecting FMG Students

Vijayawada, February 5, 2025 – Following a crucial meeting with the Chief Minister on January 30, 2025, representatives of the All India Medical Students' Association - Foreign Medical Students' Wing (AIMSA-FMSW), Andhra Pradesh (AP) held discussions with Special Chief Secretary Sri T Krishna Babu, IAS, and Dr. DSVL Narsimham, Director of Medical Education, AP, to address pressing concerns faced by Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) in the state.

Key Assurances from Officials

Permanent Registrations (PRs): Expedited issuance to eligible FMGs, subject to verification of valid compensation letters.
Temporary Registrations (TRs) & No Objection Certificates (NOCs): To be processed without delay.
Official Notice on Counselling Guidelines: To be released soon for clarity.
Revision of Allotment Orders: Adjusting from two/three years to one year for FMGs under National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines.
Stipends for FMGs: To be discussed with the Chief Minister’s office.

Concerns Over New Compensation Letter Format

A major concern raised by AIMSA-FMSW was the new prescribed format for compensation letters required for PR issuance. While parent universities have already provided compensation letters, officials stated that they would introduce a new format, causing concern over practical challenges:

University delays: Reissuing letters could take months, delaying PR issuance.
Logistical difficulties: FMGs may struggle to obtain hard copies from distant universities.
Unnecessary burden: FMGs need to focus on internships and PG preparation rather than bureaucratic hurdles.

AIMSA-FMSW urged officials to adopt the verification-based approach followed by other states, where existing compensation certificates are authenticated for PR issuance. FMGs in other states have already begun their PG studies, while those in Andhra Pradesh face delays.

Next Steps & Government Response

Officials confirmed that the new compensation letter format will be released on the APMC website within 1-2 days and that a streamlined process will be implemented immediately.

AIMSA-FMSW thanked the officials for their time and urged them to prioritize FMGs’ needs, ensuring that these trained professionals can contribute to the healthcare system without unnecessary obstacles.

Appeal to APMC

AIMSA-FMSW hopes that the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council (APMC) will follow the national standard, verify existing compensation letters, and issue PRs without further delays, enabling FMGs to begin their postgraduate studies on time.