The Andhra Pradesh High Court has ordered the state's medical council to issue permanent registrations (PRs) to foreign medical graduates (FMGs) within a month. The decision overturns a previous ruling that mandated a two-year internship for FMGs who studied online during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court cited the National Medical Commission's June 19 notification, which stated that FMGs who have sufficiently compensated for their online classes are eligible for a one-year internship. The court directed the medical council to verify the documents and grant PRs to eligible FMGs.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed the state's medical council to issue permanent registrations (PRs) to foreign medical graduates (FMGs) within a month, reversing a previous ruling that mandated a two-year internship for those who studied online during the COVID-19 pandemic [1].
The court's decision, handed down on July 9, overturns a previous judgment from a Single Judge Bench that required a two-year internship for FMGs who had studied a part of their course online. The court cited the National Medical Commission's (NMC) June 19 notification, which stated that FMGs who have sufficiently compensated for their online classes are eligible for a one-year internship [2].
The court's ruling directed the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council (APMC) to verify the documents and grant PRs to eligible FMGs. The APMC has been given a timeline of one month to complete the verification process and issue the PRs. If the council fails to comply with this directive, the court has ordered that PRs should be issued after fulfilling any remaining formalities [1].
The Andhra Pradesh Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (APNA) welcomed the judgment, stating that it marks an end to the injustice faced by FMGs over the past year. The APNA president, A.V. Subba Reddy, said that PRs should now be granted to all eligible candidates who meet the same criteria [2].
This development is significant for the FMG community in Andhra Pradesh, as it ensures that those who have completed their studies and internships can practice medicine without further delay. The court's decision also sets a precedent for other states that may be following similar guidelines.
References:
[1] https://www.edexlive.com/breaking/2025/Jul/12/ap-high-court-directs-medical-council-to-issue-permanent-registrations-to-fmgs-within-a-month
[2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/foreign-medical-graduates-get-relief-as-ap-high-court-asks-apmc-to-issue-pr-to-appellant/article69804940.ece
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