Low Stipends, Long Duties: Medical Intern Protest Highlights Stark Stipend Gap Across States

Medical interns across several states have protested over low stipends and long working hours, prompting Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand to announce increases. In Jammu and Kashmir, MBBS and BDS interns demanded a hike from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000, along with action over duties extending up to 36 hours. Madhya Pradesh raised its stipend by 50% from Rs 14,337 to Rs 21,500, while Uttar Pradesh doubled it from Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000. Bihar increased MBBS intern stipends from Rs 20,000 to Rs 27,000 and later raised first-year PG stipends from Rs 82,000 to Rs 92,800.

Uttarakhand agreed to increase its MBBS intern stipend from Rs 17,000 to Rs 25,000 following protests. Doctors and student bodies, however, have highlighted wider concerns including 24–36- hour duties, clerical work and limited time for clinical learning and NEET-PG preparation. FORDA has demanded a uniform national minimum stipend of Rs 30,000 for MBBS interns, annual revisions, transparent payment reporting and stronger grievance mechanisms. Under current NMC rules, stipends are determined by the relevant state, university or institution, resulting in significant variations across the country, according to The Indian Express.