Protest demanding fee revision, stipend hike intensifies in Punjab

Amritsar: Junior Resident Doctors and interns across Punjab have intensified their protest, holding coordinated rallies at Government Medical College (GMC) Amritsar and Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital (GGSMCH), Faridkot.

The protest, led by Resident Doctors’ Associations (RDAs), has been ongoing in the form of a sit-in since May 26, demanding the revision of stipends and fees for MBBS interns in the state. Facing consistent financial crises and delays in payment, the association has decided to stage a protest tomorrow by setting up stalls that sell Panipuri and offer shoe polishing services.

Previously, Medical Dialogues reported that MBBS interns and resident doctors from Government medical colleges across Punjab are protesting against the huge cost of medical education in the State and extremely low stipend. In their agitation, the medicos staged a rally yesterday. While the 2020 batch MBBS interns paid Rs 7.8 lakh for undergoing medical education in Punjab, they get only Rs 15,000 per month as stipend. The amount of the fee is even higher for the consecutive batches. Those who were admitted to the MBBS courses at the Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) in 2024 will have to pay Rs 9.5 lakh as their entire course fee.

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr Ramandeep Singh, President of RDA, stated, “We will set up stalls as a symbol of our financial condition. There is often a long delay before we get our stipends. Some of us are being threatened by the authorities so that we can not raise our voice. The authorities should take note of our condition now.” Dr. Milanpreet Thind, Advisor of the RDA at GMC and Rajindra Hospital Patiala, stated that repeated appeals have been made to the Health Minister for over a year and a half, yet little progress has been achieved. The protest remained peaceful and united as doctors voiced several key concerns related to their academic, financial, and professional well-being.

“A special mention to Dr. Ankit Gulia, National Coordinator of FAIMA (Federation of All India Medical Association), who came from DMC, Ludhiana, to stand in solidarity with us. He addressed the gathering, emphasized the rights and justified demands of medical professionals, and strongly motivated the students. Let us continue to stay united and firm in our pursuit of fair and dignified working conditions,” Dr Milanpreet added.

Among the demands raised by the RDA were a reduction in tuition, examination, and thesis submission fees; an increase in stipends for both interns and residents; and the extension of Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) to Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) candidates. Protesters also called for the elimination of non-academic "file duties" and opposed Emergency Medical Officer (EMO) duties that fall outside the scope of their assigned responsibilities.

Additionally, the RDA urged the administration to ensure proper implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to establish a more structured and equitable system for clinical responsibilities among interns and residents. Despite the sustained sit-in and vocal demands from the medical community, no written assurance from the state health department has been reported so far. The protesting students and residents have reiterated their commitment to continuing the peaceful movement until their demands are met.