Archive · 28 Oct 2025
Supreme Court Slams Medical Commission Over Unpaid Intern Stipends
Imagine doctors who are still learning, called interns.
They work very, very long hours, like more than 18 hours a day, which is a lot!
They are supposed to get a small amount of money called a stipend for their hard work.
But, a big medical group called the NMC hasn't made sure all the intern doctors are getting paid.
The highest court in the country, the Supreme Court, is very upset about this.
They told the NMC that this is not fair, especially because the interns work so hard.
The court wants the NMC to fix this problem quickly and show them proof that the interns are being paid.
The court also mentioned that not paying them is like ignoring what the court had already said before.
So, the NMC has to explain what they are doing to make sure all intern doctors get their deserved money soon.
The Supreme Court criticized the National Medical Commission (NMC) for failing to ensure stipend payments to medical interns.
The court described the NMC's inaction as "deeply concerning" and "unjustified," noting interns often work over 18 hours daily.
The NMC had previously issued a notice on July 11, 2025, to medical colleges regarding stipends, but compliance was reportedly lacking.
The Supreme Court directed the NMC to file an affidavit within two weeks detailing compliance and steps taken to ensure stipend payments.
The court emphasized that non-payment of stipends despite prior directives constitutes a disregard of its orders.
- Who
- Supreme Court, National Medical Commission (NMC), medical interns, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- What
- The Supreme Court strongly criticized the National Medical Commission for its failure to ensure timely stipend payments to medical interns across India.
- When
- Tuesday (specific date not mentioned, but implied recent)
- Where
- Supreme Court of India
- Why
- The NMC has been accused of failing to implement previous court directives and its own notices regarding stipend payments, despite interns working long hours.
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Regulatory Body
- National Medical Commission (NMC)
- Issue
- Non-payment or delayed payment of stipends to medical interns
- Court Observation
- Lapse is deeply concerning and unjustified
- Interns' Working Hours
- Often exceed 18 hours daily
- NMC's Previous Action
- Issued a notice on July 11, 2025, to medical colleges
- Court's Deadline
- NMC to file compliance affidavit within two weeks