UDF Seeks Nadda’s Proactive Role in the Pending issues of doctors in the country.
SHIMLA/NEW DELHI: Public health activists and medical students have raised concerns over ambiguity in the stipend clause of the Compulsory Rotatory Medical Internship (CRMI) Regulations, 2021, alleging that it allows private medical colleges to underpay interns.
They point out that the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER), 2023, clearly mandate equal stipend payment to medical interns irrespective of whether they are studying in government or private institutions.
In practice, interns in government medical colleges receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 to ₹30,000, while those in private colleges are reportedly paid significantly less.
Kannur-based ophthalmologist and RTI activist K.V. Babu has repeatedly taken up the issue with the Union Health Ministry, alleging that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has failed to ensure parity despite clear directions.
He has also referred to a Supreme Court order issued in October, which highlighted the need for equal stipend payment.
In a notification issued in July, the NMC warned that non-compliance with stipend requirements would attract regulatory action. However, no concrete follow-up steps or enforcement measures were initiated, Dr. Babu said in his letter to the Ministry.
On November 6, the Health Ministry wrote to the NMC Secretary, asking the commission to examine the stipend provision under the CRMI Regulations, 2021, in view of the clearer provisions in the PGMER, 2023.
The Ministry reminded the NMC that it is mandated under the NMC Act, 2019, to frame and amend regulations. With no response from the commission, the Ministry has now issued a reminder.
Medical bodies have questioned whether private medical colleges will comply with the directions and whether the Ministry has the authority and intent to penalise defaulting institutions.
Doctors’ organisations, including the United Doctors Front (UDF), have demanded immediate amendment of the CRMI Regulations to bring them in line with the PGMER Regulations and strict action against violators.
With Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda recently relieved of party organisational responsibilities, doctors’ bodies have urged him to personally intervene and resolve the long-pending issue related to stipend parity for medical interns.
