Supreme Court orders 5 Jharkhand Medical Colleges to Pay Rs 25K Stipend to FMG Interns

The order, issued while hearing writ petitions filed by FMG interns, mandates that they be compensated at par with Indian Medical Graduate (MBBS) interns in accordance with the National Medical Commission (NMC) circular issued on July 12, 2023. The court also warned that failure to implement the NMC directive could lead to adverse action against the concerned medical colleges and universities.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of FMG interns marks a significant victory for medical graduates facing financial hardships due to unfair treatment by institutions. By reinforcing NMC guidelines, the Court has upheld the principle of equal pay for equal work, ensuring that FMG interns receive stipends on par with MBBS interns.

Colleges Covered Under the SC Order

The ruling applies to five medical colleges in Jharkhand namely Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH), Dhanbad, Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital (PJMCH), Dumka, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH), Hazaribagh, Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), Palamu.

Additionally, the Supreme Court has issued directives to the Jharkhand Medical Council (JMC) and the Directorate of Medical Education, Jharkhand to ensure compliance with the order.

Notably, FMG interns are also completing their internships at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Hospital (MGMMCH), Jamshedpur, but the Supreme Court’s directive currently applies only to the five institutions mentioned above.

Background: FMGs Left Without Stipends

The issue stems from Indian medical students who were studying in Ukraine but had to return to India following the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2023, leaving their internships incomplete. To facilitate their completion, the NMC directed medical institutions across India to accommodate these students for internship placements. Accordingly, these FMG interns were placed at RIMS Ranchi, SNMMCH Dhanbad, SBMCH Hazaribagh, PJMCH Dumka, and MMCH Palamu to complete their mandatory internships.

Also Read: Supreme Court to Decide on Stipend for FMG Internship, Notice Issued

However, despite the clear directive from the NMC’s July 12, 2023 circular, these five medical colleges allegedly refused to pay the stipulated internship stipend. According to Shiksha, these institutions even compelled students to sign undertakings stating that their internships would be unpaid, leaving them with no option but to approach the Supreme Court for relief.

Supreme Court’s Observations and Ruling

The Supreme Court strongly criticized the refusal of Jharkhand medical colleges to pay the mandated stipend and ruled in favour of FMG interns. The Apex Court emphasized that FMGs perform the same duties as MBBS interns and, therefore, must receive equal remuneration. The ruling stated that since MBBS interns receive a stipend, FMGs should also be compensated, as they cannot afford to bear the expenses on their own.

The court also took serious note of the financial hardship faced by FMG interns and observed that FMG interns are assigned the same duties as MBBS interns. Forcing them to sign undertakings stating that their internships would be unpaid puts students in a ‘catch-22 situation’ with no alternative but to accept these terms.

The SC ruling highlighted that the financial burden on FMG interns is significant, particularly for those coming from outside Ranchi, Dhanbad, Hazaribagh, Palamu, and Dumka. These interns face expenses for accommodation, food, travel, and loan repayments, making it essential that they receive their entitled stipend.

The apex court stated that many FMG interns come from different parts of the country and are expected to cover the costs of their stay, travel, and sustenance. In view of these financial constraints, the court mandated that FMGs receive a minimum stipend of Rs 25,000 per month.

The Supreme Court ruling reaffirmed the binding nature of the NMC circular issued on July 12, 2023, which clearly mandates that all FMG interns are eligible to receive a stipend equal to that provided to Indian Medical Graduates.

Despite this, the five Jharkhand medical colleges failed to comply, leading to the Supreme Court’s intervention. The Court further warned that failure to implement the NMC regulation could invite adverse action against the concerned colleges and universities, reports The Jharkhand Story.