An order issued in this regard by the dean (academics) of the institute on 18 October 2025 stated that the competent authority has approved the payment of salary for the course extension period given in lieu of maternity leave. This payment will be in addition to the salary already received during the maternity leave period.
"Sanction of the competent authority is hereby accorded for the grant of salary to the academic junior residents and academic senior residents for the period of the course extension in lieu of the availed maternity leave period. This is in addition to the salary paid during the maternity leave period," the order reads.
Also read- How many leaves allowed for PG medical students? NMC specifies in PGMER FAQs
This means that female resident doctors at JIPMER who take maternity leave during their academic course will not lose their salary for the extended duration of their course. Usually, when a resident takes maternity leave, her course duration is extended by the same number of days to make up for the training period she missed. However, the institute's order clarifies that the salary will continue during this extended period in addition to the maternity leave salary.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that maternity leave had become a major concern for medicos. While being in their process of education during the most reproductive years, many doctors avoid getting pregnant while they are pursuing their medical education. Additionally, there is concern among these doctors about the lack of organisational and governmental support for maternity leave.
In 2024, the National Medical Commission (NMC) specified how many leaves a medico can take while pursuing PG medical courses. According to the NMC notification, PG medical students are allowed weekly one-day off (subject to exigencies of work). In addition, they are eligible for twenty days of Paid Casual Leave. Five days of Academic Leave per year, if availed by a student, will be counted as duty. Thus, a student is entitled to 52 weekly offs and 20 paid casual leave per year.
Female post-graduate students shall be allowed maternity leave as per existing government rules and regulations. Male post-graduate students shall be allowed paternity leave as per existing government rules and regulations. However, the period of training will be extended by the same number of days for which maternity/paternity leave has been availed.
Also read- Maternity Leaves for Doctors: Why are young female doctors scared of getting pregnant?
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