No Action Yet Against NMC Over Stipend Issues for Medical Interns

New Delhi | March 17, 2025

Despite growing concerns and demands from medical students, no concrete action has been taken against the National Medical Commission (NMC) regarding the issue of unpaid or inconsistent stipends for medical interns across India. Medical graduates who have been completing their mandatory internships at various government and private hospitals have repeatedly raised concerns over the delayed or missing stipend payments, but the issue remains unresolved.

Key Concerns Raised by Medical Interns

• Delayed or No Stipend Payment: Many medical interns, especially in private medical colleges, have reported that they either receive their stipends months late or do not receive them at all.
• Unequal Stipends Across States: There is no uniformity in internship stipends across different states, with variations ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹30,000 per month.
• Lack of Enforcement by NMC: Despite clear guidelines, medical colleges and hospitals continue to ignore stipend regulations, and the NMC has not taken strict action.
• Financial Struggles for Interns: Many interns depend on stipends for daily expenses, travel, and accommodation. The lack of timely payment puts them under financial stress.

What the Medical Fraternity is Saying

Doctors’ associations and medical student bodies have criticized the NMC for its inaction. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) – Junior Doctors Network (JDN) has urged the government to intervene and enforce strict regulations to ensure fair stipends for all medical interns.

A final-year MBBS intern from a private medical college in Maharashtra stated:
“We work long hours, often the same as junior doctors, but our stipends are either delayed or completely ignored by our colleges. The NMC needs to take responsibility and enforce fair pay for all interns.”

Past Protests and Legal Challenges

In the past year, multiple protests have been held in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, demanding uniform stipend policies. Some student groups have even approached the courts, citing violation of medical education norms. However, no decisive action has been taken by the authorities.

Possible Government Response

Sources suggest that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare may soon discuss this issue, but no official statement has been released yet. Medical interns and advocacy groups are hoping for a policy change that mandates a minimum stipend structure across all states and institutions.

What Happens Next?

• Medical students continue to push for reforms and stricter regulations.
• The NMC is expected to release an official statement soon addressing the concerns.
• If no action is taken, students may plan fresh protests and legal actions.

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