4 Medical Colleges slapped NMC show cause notice over alleged non-payment of stipends

New Delhi: Taking action over the allegations of non-payment of stipend to PG medicos, the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) sought an explanation from 4 medical colleges.

Although the UP-based Subharti Medical College has denied all claims regarding no stipend and complaints of mental harassment, Dr. Lakshya Mittal, the National President of the United Doctors' Front Association (UDFA) has urged the Commission to ensure a proper follow-up of its case.

Apart from Subharti Medical College, the NMC PG Board had also sought similar explanations from Udaipur-based Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Pacific Medical College and Hospital, and Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences regarding the allegations of non-payment of stipend. Issuing a notice to these 3 Udaipur institutes on August 7, the NMC gave them 15 days to reply and submit 'documentary proof regarding payment of stipend as per regulatory provision.'

These documents came to light after UDFA sought a response from the Apex Medical Commission regarding the action taken against the medical colleges accused of not paying stipends to its students.

Allegations of Non-Payment of Stipend & Mental Harassment of Students: 

UP-based Subharti Medical College was asked to submit an explanation by the NMC PG Board about the students' allegations regarding non-payment of stipend and mental harassment of students.

The students alleged that the Accounts Department of the college deducts their monthly stipend by 40 to 50% for submitting thesis work. Further, deduction is also made from the stipend on account of non-completion of admitted/IPD patients case sheets/files.

As per the allegations by the students, unjustified heavy fines are imposed on minor issues to evade payment of stipend. Writing to the Dean/Principal of the medical college, NMC PG Board also referred to an instance where one of the resident doctor of the Department of Radio-Diagnosis left her course mid-way, because of the high-handedness of the College Management and un-friendly environment.

"You are, therefore, directed to submit your comments/ remarks on this matter along with the documentary proof of payment of stipend as per the regulatory provisions contained in Post Graduate Medical Education Regulation 2023 to this Board within 5 days of the issue of this letter," NMC had mentioned in the letter dated 27.06.2024.

False & Baseless Allegations, Claims College: 

Responding to the NMC's letter, the college wrote to the NMC on 04.07.2024 clarifying that the allegations were baseless and false. Regarding the claim that 40-50% of the stipend gets deduced from the postgraudate students's stipend amount, the college clarified that some of the PG students are supposed to get some tests and investigations done for their thesis and the cost is not imposed on the patients. As per the college, a part of the expense is borne by the college and by the PG students.

Regarding the stipend deduction for non-completion of case sheets, the college argued that writing case sheets of patients is an essential part of the training and teaching of PG students. It argued that some of the residents do not deposit case sheets despite repeated warnings for submission of the case sheets even though many of these case sheets are medico-legal and their proper maintenance is absolutely essential.

As per the college, the stipend of the defaulter residents gets withheld temporarily and it is released once they complete their work and deposit all the case sheets in the Medical Record Section. The college clarified that no final deduction of any kind is made from the stipend.

It also argued that allegations of heavy fines are not acceptable as fines are imposed only in case of gross errors or negligence done on patients. All fines, if at all, are imposed as per the policy of the University, argued the college, further referring to a grievance redressal system of the University.

The college further mentioned that if the residents feel unjustified fine/disproportionate to the act of indiscipline, they can also represent to the second and third-level disciplinary committees.

In its explanation, the college also claimed that no postgraduate student of the Department of Radio-Diagnosis left his course in between and therefore, these allegations were absolutely baseless. Further, regarding the payment of stipend, the college referred to an earlier letter and also pointed out that a case is also pending before the Supreme Court.

Need Proper Follow-up by NMC, Says UDFA President:

Commenting on the matter, the President of UDFA, Dr. Lakshya Mittal lauded NMC for taking swift action regarding the non-payment of stipends and mental harassment faced by postgraduate medical students in several private medical colleges.

"This issue has been a long-standing concern, and addressing it is crucial to ensure the well-being and financial security of our future doctors. The exploitation by private medical college administrations, including deductions from stipends and fines imposed under unreasonable pretexts, is unacceptable. NMC's proactive measures send a strong message to these institutions that such malpractice will not be tolerated," he told Medical Dialogues.

However, expressing the requirement of a proper follow-up of these issues by the Apex Medical Commission, he added, "While we appreciate NMC's swift move, we also request that the Commission ensure a serious follow-up of these cases. If institutions are found guilty, strict actions must be taken, including the cancellation of seat recognition and imposing hefty penalties. This will act as a strong deterrent to prevent such exploitation in the future."

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that UDFA had filed an RTI application seeking details of the stipend paid to the MBBS interns and resident doctors in the private medical colleges in Rajasthan.

The response to the RTI by the Director of Medical Education, Jaipur, Rajasthan revealed that despite the Government mandate fixing Rs 14,000 as the stipend amount for the MBBS interns and Rs 55,000 to Rs 70,000 for the resident doctors, several private medical colleges in Rajasthan were paying far less to their interns and residents.

Also Read: Rajasthan Private Medical Colleges Paying MBBS Interns, Resident doctors Far Lesser than Govt Mandate: Reveals RTI