UP Doctors Demand Stipend Hike for MBBS Interns, FMGs

Writing to the Deputy CM, the doctors under the CMJ Doctors Welfare Federation India pointed out that while the medical interns in the State get only Rs 12000 as a monthly stipend, similarly situated students in States like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi get an amount ranging between Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 per month.

In the letter, the doctors highlighted how the medical interns work tirelessly, provide crucial patient care, assist in surgeries, and manage emergency cases.

They also pointed out that the interns face financial difficulties, especially considering the fact that the cost of medical education has increased significantly.

Commenting on the matter, the State President of CMJ Doctors Welfare Federation, Dr. Sudhanshu Pandey told Medical Dialogues, "We have written to the Deputy CM seeking an increase in the amount of stipend provided to the Indian and Foreign Medical Graduates who are undergoing internship in the State. The amount should be increased at least to Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 per month."

"Currently, the stipend stands at 12000 per month, which is significantly lower than that of other states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi, where medical interns receive 20,000,30,000 per month," stated the letter.

"Medical interns work tirelessly in hospitals, providing crucial patient care, assisting in surgeries, managing emergency cases, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the healthcare system. Given the increasing workload, long working hours, and rising cost of living, the current stipend is insufficient to meet basic expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation...Moreover, with the rising cost of medical education, many interns face financial difficulties, and a higher stipend would provide much-needed relief and motivation to continue serving the public with dedication," it further mentioned.

Highlighting how the State of Uttar Pradesh is making remarkable progress in healthcare, the doctors added in the letter, "..increasing the internship stipend would further strengthen the morale of young doctors and improve healthcare services in the state."

Accordingly, they requested to reconsider and revise the stipend for the medical interns in Uttar Pradesh to be at par with or better than other states. "This will not only benefit the interns but also encourage more young doctors to serve in government hospitals, ultimately improving healthcare delivery across the state," the doctors added in the letter.

Also Read: NMC to introduce SOPs to address grievances on stipend, faculty, work hours