Doctors' body moves Punjab CM, NHRC over alleged stipend disparity, withholding of PG degrees at AIMSR Bhatinda

New Delhi: Highlighting the issues faced by the resident doctors at Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (AIMSR), Bathinda, including stipend disparity and withholding of academic degrees and certificates, a doctors' body has submitted a complaint to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the Union Health Ministry, seeking immediate intervention and inquiry.

The Democratic Medical Association (DMA) wrote to the authorities after receiving complaints alleging that the postgraduate residents at the institution are being paid stipends substantially lower than those paid in the Government Medical Colleges of Punjab.

Further, DMA has alleged that the doctors from the 2021 batch, who have completed their medical training and cleared the examinations in February 2025, have not received their degrees, certificates, and other academic documents to date.

"DMA National President Dr. Amit Vyas, National General Secretary Dr. Shubh Pratap Solanki, and National Core Member Dr. Aryan Srivastava have formally submitted complaints regarding the matter to Punjab Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Singh Mann, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the National Medical Commission (NMC), and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, seeking immediate intervention and inquiry," the association mentioned in a release.

"According to complaints received by DMA, postgraduate residents at the institution are allegedly being paid stipends substantially lower than those paid in Government Medical Colleges of Punjab, which appears inconsistent with the spirit of NMC’s stipend parity policy.

The most serious allegation concerns several postgraduate doctors from the 2021 batch who reportedly completed their training and passed their final examinations in February 2025, yet have not received their degrees, certificates, or other academic documents to date. Complaints further alleged that some graduates are being pressured to execute affidavits and undertakings as a condition for obtaining their academic credentials," it further mentioned.

Dr. Amit Vyas stated that withholding a doctor’s degree and academic certificates is not merely an administrative issue but a direct attack on their right to employment, higher education, super-specialty training, professional registration, and livelihood.

Apart from this, the association has also raised concerns regarding the resident doctors undergoing excessive 70-80 hours of duty per week. There are also allegations of inadequate renumeration, which, combined with the long duty hours, is resulting in physical, mental, and professional stress for the resident doctors.

DMA office bearers stated that if these allegations are found to be true, they would represent not only a violation of NMC regulations but also a serious assault on the dignity and fundamental rights of young doctors. No institution should be allowed to hold the future of medical professionals hostage.

National General Secretary Dr. Shubh Pratap Solanki stated that protecting the rights and welfare of resident doctors across the country remains a top priority for DMA, and the organization will continue its efforts until accountability is fixed and appropriate action is taken against those responsible.

The association has demanded an independent and inpartial inquiry into AIMSR, Bathinda, verification of compliance with NMC regulations and stipend parity norms, immediate release of all withheld degrees, certificates, mark sheets, and academic documents, an audit of resident doctors' duty hours, working conditions, and welfare measures, and strict action against any officials or authorities found responsible for the violations.

Reiterating the association's stand, Dr. Amit Vyas stated that medical institutions must function within the framework of law, transparency, and human rights, and that any attempt to compromise the future and dignity of young doctors will not be tolerated.

In the letter addressed to the Punjab CM, NHRC Chairperson, and the Secretary of Union Health Ministry, the doctors' body mentioned, "DMA has noted concerns indicating that Postgraduate Residents are reportedly receiving stipends substantially lower than those paid in Government Medical Colleges of Punjab, potentially contrary to the stipend parity principle prescribed by the NMС. Further, complaints indicate that members of the 2021 Postgraduate batch successfully completed their courses and passed their final examinations in February 2025. However, despite approximately one and a half years having elapsed since completion of their training, several candidates allegedly continue to be denied issuance of their degrees and related academic documents."

"It has further been alleged that some graduates are being pressurised to execute affidavits and undertakings as a precondition for obtaining their degrees and certificates, with concerns expressed that failure to comply may result in continued withholding of such documents. These concerns warrant immediate examination by the competent regulatory authorities. Such withholding of degrees adversely affects Employment opportunities, Specialist Registration, higher education, fellowships, and professional advancement," the association further added.

The association further mentioned in the letter, "The alleged withholding of academic credentials may also raise concerns under Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution of India & Article 23, 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), affecting equality before law, the right to practice a profession, and the right to livelihood and dignity. It is also inconsistent with principles relating to the rights to education and work. DMA also noted concerns regarding Excessive duty hours(upto 70-80 hours per week), inadequate remuneration, and significant professional and psychological stress among Resident Doctors."

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr Amit Vyas, the National President of Democratic Medical Association, said, "A medical institution exists to build doctors—not to control their future. DMA has been receiving multiple complaints regarding AIMSR Bathinda over time. The most disturbing part is that despite repeated grievances, complainants often feel that neither the college resolves these issues satisfactorily nor do timely interventions by National Medical Commission(NMC) & Punjab Government. Withholding Post Graduation degrees, forcing undertakings for academic documents, paying unfair stipends, and imposing exhausting duty hours (70-80 hrs/week) are completely unacceptable."

"A doctor who has earned a degree should never have to fight for it. No institution has the right to hold a doctor’s future hostage. Resident doctors are not bonded labour. They deserve dignity, lawful remuneration, reasonable working conditions, and timely release of their academic documents. The future of young doctors is not a bargaining chip. Accountability must replace silence, and if violations are proven through due process, strict action must follow," he further added.

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