Rs 500 to Rs 13,150: Delhi announces 27-fold hike in LNJP nursing intern stipend

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently announced a major increase in the stipend for nursing interns at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, raising it from Rs 500 to Rs 13,150 after nearly 27 years.

According to an official statement, the decision is expected to benefit around 180 nursing interns and has been described as a significant relief for students undergoing clinical training in the national capital.

As per the PTI report, marking International Nurses Day, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a 27-fold increase in the stipend for nursing interns at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital and praised nurses for their selfless service.

Minister Gupta also conducted a surprise inspection at the hospital on Monday, where she visited various wards, interacted with nursing staff, and reviewed healthcare facilities.

International Nurses Day is observed around the world on May 12 each year to mark the contributions that nurses make to society.

"Ending a 27-year wait, the Delhi government has approved a substantial hike in the stipend for nursing interns. The amount has been raised from Rs 500 to Rs 13,150. This decision has brought significant relief to 180 nursing interns,” the statement said.

The government also distributed appointment letters to 1,388 nursing officers and 41 paramedical staff members to strengthen and expand healthcare services in the national capital, it added.

During the visit, the chief minister spent time speaking with nurses, listening to their experiences, and acknowledging the challenges associated with the profession.

“Doctors provide treatment, but it is nurses who give patients emotional strength and care that often helps them heal,” Gupta said, adding that the patience and commitment shown by nurses in difficult circumstances were truly inspiring.

Addressing the staff, the chief minister said nursing was not merely a profession but a reflection of compassion, humanity, and service.

She also interacted with nurses from different states, including Kerala, Rajasthan, and Punjab, and said healthcare workers from across the country had played a major role in strengthening Delhi’s healthcare system and helping it achieve world-class standards.

Gupta assured the staff that the Delhi government was committed to improving the work culture for healthcare professionals and protecting their rights. "Respecting nursing staff, who work tirelessly day and night in the service of patients, was a shared responsibility of both the government and society," she said.