'Foreign medical graduates entitled to stipends like other medical students'; Kerala HC with new order

KOCHI: The High Court ordered that doctors who have completed their medical studies abroad (FMG) and are doing internships in the country should not be charged any fee. It was also clarified that they are entitled to a stipend like other medical students. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas' order was issued on a petition by S. Murugan, a native of Keezhatingal, Thiruvananthapuram.

The petitioner, who studied in Russia, did his internship at the Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital. The superintendent demanded that a fee be paid for the certificate. No stipend was allowed during the internship period.

The court pointed out that charging fees for internships is illegal under the National Medical Commission circular dated May 19, 2022. The government is also obligated to provide a stipend during the period of compulsory Rotary Medical Internship (CRMI) for those who have studied abroad. The internship certificate should be issued immediately without charging any fee to the petitioner. The stipend amount, including arrears, should also be paid within three months of receiving the application.