A suspected fake Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) certificate scam has triggered a large-scale investigation in Chhattisgarh, with over 3,000 foreign-trained doctors coming under scrutiny. The probe is being conducted by the Chhattisgarh Medical Council in coordination with the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the state Directorate of Medical Education (DME).
The action follows detection of irregularities in the qualifications and FMGE clearance records of several candidates who completed their MBBS from countries in Central and East Asia. The FMGE, conducted by the National Board of Examinations, is a mandatory screening test for foreign medical graduates seeking to practice in India, followed by a one-year compulsory internship at an NMC-recognised institution.
Suspicion arose after authorities found that some candidates allegedly used forged FMGE certificates to secure internships in government hospitals across multiple states.
In a related case, Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) arrested 18 individuals, including a former registrar and a former nodal officer of the Rajasthan Medical Council, for allegedly facilitating registrations and internships using fake documents. The arrested also include 15 candidates who had failed to clear the FMGE but allegedly procured forged certificates to practice in India.
Meanwhile, the government continues to expand mental healthcare services under Ayushman Bharat. Over 1.77 lakh Sub Health Centres and Primary Health Centres have been upgraded into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, where mental health services are now part of comprehensive primary care.
Under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), 25 Centres of Excellence have been sanctioned and 19 government medical colleges supported to strengthen postgraduate departments in mental health specialties. India currently has 47 government-run mental hospitals, including the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, and Central Institute of Psychiatry.
Additionally, the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele-MANAS), launched on October 10, 2022, provides 24×7 counselling services. As of March 2026, 53 Tele-MANAS cells are operational across 36 states and UTs, offering services in 20 languages and handling over 34 lakh calls. A mobile application and video consultation facility have also been introduced to improve access to mental healthcare.
