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Medical Intern Protests Highlight India’s Wide Stipend Gap
Medical interns are doctors who are still completing their required training.
They work in hospitals but receive different amounts of money depending on the state or institution.
Many interns said their stipends were too low for food, housing, education and other expenses.
Some also said they work shifts lasting 24 to 36 hours.
Protests led several state governments to increase stipends.
Uttar Pradesh raised its stipend to Rs 25,000, while Bihar raised it to Rs 27,000.
Uttarakhand agreed to pay Rs 25,000, and Madhya Pradesh raised its stipend to Rs 21,500.
Medical groups want every intern in India to receive at least Rs 30,000.
The National Medical Commission currently allows authorities in different states and institutions to set different amounts.
Recent protests over low stipends and long shifts prompted hikes in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Monthly MBBS intern stipends now range from Rs 21,500 in Madhya Pradesh to Rs 28,000 in Kerala, with Bihar paying Rs 27,000.
Jammu and Kashmir interns suspended an indefinite strike after receiving an assurance that their Rs 12,300 stipend would be revised within a month.
Interns and postgraduate students reported 24- to 36-hour duties, clerical workloads and financial pressure from living and education costs.
The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association is seeking a uniform Rs 30,000 minimum stipend, while current National Medical Commission rules allow state-wise variation.
- Who
- Medical interns, postgraduate medical students, resident doctors, state governments, the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association and the National Medical Commission.
- What
- Protests over low or unpaid stipends, long working hours and administrative workloads have led to several stipend increases and renewed demands for a national minimum.
- Where
- Across several Indian states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand and Kerala.
- When
- The protests and stipend decisions occurred in recent weeks; Jammu and Kashmir interns began an indefinite protest on August 31, and Uttar Pradesh approved its increase on August 25.
- Why
- Interns and trainees said stipends were insufficient and varied sharply despite similar clinical responsibilities, while extended shifts and clerical duties added to the burden.
Uniform National Standard
State-Based Fixing
Minimum stipend
Uniform National Standard
The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association and protesters argue that interns doing broadly similar work should receive at least Rs 30,000 nationwide, with annual revisions and stronger enforcement.
State-Based Fixing
The National Medical Commission framework allows the appropriate authority for an institution, university or state to set the stipend, resulting in different amounts across locations.
Recent increases
Uniform National Standard
Interns and doctors’ groups say several hikes still fall short of demands and do not resolve differences between states or institutions.
State-Based Fixing
State governments have responded to protests with substantial increases, including a doubling in Uttar Pradesh and a 50 per cent rise in Madhya Pradesh.
Training workload
Uniform National Standard
Interns and postgraduate students say 24- to 36-hour duties, staff shortages and clerical work reduce clinical learning time and increase financial and emotional strain.
State-Based Fixing
The articles report the workload concerns but do not identify a national alternative system for staffing or assigning administrative duties.
Key facts
- Uttar Pradesh stipend
- Raised from Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000 for MBBS and BDS interns; about 3,928 interns are expected to benefit.
- Bihar stipend
- MBBS intern stipends in government medical colleges rose from Rs 20,000 to Rs 27,000, including for Foreign Medical Graduate interns.
- Madhya Pradesh stipend
- Raised 50 per cent from Rs 14,337 to Rs 21,500 after protests.
- Uttarakhand stipend
- Raised from Rs 17,000 to Rs 25,000 after interns called off their strike.
- Jammu and Kashmir demand
- MBBS and BDS interns sought an increase from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000 and reported duties of up to 36 hours.
- National demand
- The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association has called for a uniform minimum stipend of Rs 30,000 per month for MBBS interns.
- Postgraduate stipend in Bihar
- First-year postgraduate stipends rose from Rs 82,000 to Rs 92,800, while second-year stipends increased from Rs 90,200 to Rs 1,02,000.
Quotes
Dr Amisha Sachdeva
MBBS intern in Uttarakhand
“We have been receiving complaints of delays, deductions, and non-payment, and therefore we urge stronger monitoring. While the framework exists, implementation and enforcement need significant strengthening.”
indianexpress.com
“My internship stipend had been Rs 7,500 before it was increased to Rs 17,000 following a strike. We work 36-hour shifts and are paid not enough to sustain ourselves”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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