Bhopal, September 8: Medical interns in Madhya Pradesh are continuing their protests today, demanding an increase in their stipend. On September 7, a large number of interns marched from Hamidia Hospital towards the Chief Minister’s residence, but police attempted to stop them with barricades outside the hospital.
The protesting students broke through the barricades and staged a sit-in on the road, causing significant traffic jams on VIP Road and surrounding areas. To control the situation and prevent the doctors from advancing towards the CM House, police used water cannons. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered an investigation into the use of water cannons during the protests.
In addition to Bhopal, interns and junior doctors in several government hospitals, including Indore and Ratlam, are also on strike, demanding an increase in their current stipend of ₹14,337.
Students Vow to Continue Protests
A meeting was held with health minister Rajendra Shukla, where representatives of the doctors discussed the stipend issue, promising to revisit it upon the Chief Minister’s return. The interns have stated that they will continue their protests until a written order for the stipend increase is issued and action is taken against police actions.
Rally in Indore in Support of Doctors
Intern doctors in Indore held a rally to express their dissent against police actions during the protests in Bhopal. The rally saw participation from both interns and resident doctors.
Hunger Strike in Jammu and Kashmir
In Jammu and Kashmir, MBBS and BDS interns have been on an indefinite strike since August 31. Medical interns from ten government medical colleges and two dental colleges began a 48-hour hunger strike on September 7, demanding an increase in their stipend.
The protesting interns have stated that their movement will continue until the government issues an official order regarding the stipend. They claim they have given the government ample time to address this issue, which was also recommended by students in 2023.
Currently, the interns are awaiting an official order from the government. They assert that mere discussions are no longer sufficient.
Hunger Strike in Uttarakhand
In Uttarakhand, medical interns are demanding an increase in their stipend from ₹17,000 to ₹30,000. Approximately 600 MBBS interns are participating in this movement, having boycotted OPD and ward duties, although those on emergency duty continue to treat patients. This movement is being led under the banner of Voice of Interns – Uttarakhand.
PG Resident Doctors Protest with Black Bands
Intern doctors claim that interns in several other states receive higher stipends than those in Uttarakhand. The Directorate of Medical Education has stated that a proposal for stipend revision is being prepared, and reports from medical colleges have been requested.
The strike includes students from Government Medical College, Haldwani, VCSG Medical College/Institute, Srinagar, Government Doon Medical College, Dehradun, and Soban Singh Jeena Medical Sciences Institute, Almora. Additionally, around 600 PG resident doctors in Uttarakhand are also protesting for a stipend increase by wearing black bands.
Legal Framework for Medical Intern Stipends in India
In India, providing stipends to MBBS medical interns is not solely at the discretion of colleges. The NMC’s Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship Regulations 2021 include provisions for stipends. Moreover, there are established rules mandating stipend payments to all medical interns.
According to Schedule-IV, Clause 3(a) of the CRMI Regulations 2021, all interns must receive stipends as determined by the relevant institution, university, or the competent authority of the state.