Over 4,000 Karnataka Doctors On Strike Demanding Stipend Hike

Bengaluru: Pointing out that their stipend was not revised after 2020, the doctors in Karnataka have initiated their protest today, as announced earlier.

The resident doctors under the aegis of Karnataka Association of Resident Doctors (KARD) have alleged that currently, they receive 50% of what their counterparts in other States get as a stipend, even though the charges of medical education in the institutes across the State are significantly higher than in other states.

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, the President of KARD, Dr Sirish Shivaramaiah informed that the stipend of resident doctors has not been revised since 2020. Currently, the first year, 2nd year, and 3rd year PG resident doctors receive Rs 45,000, Rs 50,000, and Rs 55,000 as a monthly stipend. Superspeciality residents receive a stipend amount ranging between Rs 55,000 to Rs 65,000 per month. 

Recently, issuing a Press Release, KARD mentioned, "For over a year, GOK has ignored Resident Doctors' urgent requests for a stipend increase. We receive one among the lowest stipends in the country—half of what our counterparts in other states get—while our fees are among the highest."

In the release, the association had warned that if their demands for a stipend hike were not met by August 12, 2024, they would begin an indefinite protest, suspending all non-emergency services at government medical colleges and hospitals.

Also Read: Revise Academic Fees, Give Timely Stipend: Karnataka Resident Doctors call for indefinite strike

"This inaction risks both our livelihoods and the well-being of patients, who may be at risk due to potential disruptions in medical services," the association mentioned.

KARD has been expressing their demands for a stipend hike for a long time. Last month, in a Press Release, the association highlighted that no increase in the amount of stipend has left the resident doctors in financial, professional, and personal stress, significantly impacting patient care.

They pointed out that despite working tirelessly from 24 to 48 hours without breaks they receive a lot less than what they deserve, highlighting that the neighbouring States revise the stipend amount for the residents every year and a few every 3 years.

Their demands include an increase in the amount of stipend offered to the resident doctors along with regular increments on par with other States. Earlier, the resident doctors in Karnataka had initiated a silent protest on August 5 and highlighted their grievances by attending duty wearing black ribbons.

Commenting on the matter, the joint secretary of KARD, Dr Basalingappa Mukkuppi told the Times of India, "We’ve informed the deans of all medical colleges and other officials concerned about our demands. We also reached out to the minister of medical education, principal secretary of medical education, and director of medical education about the stipend disparity, requesting them to conduct a review and revise it, but in vain."

Also Read: Karnataka: Resident doctors end strike after Health Minister's assurance