65 Medical Colleges Defy NMC: MBBS Intern Stipend Data Still Missing Amid Supreme Court Push

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New Delhi, February 1, 2026 – In a stark revelation from an RTI response by the Union Health Ministry, approximately 65 medical colleges across India have failed to submit details of stipends paid to MBBS interns to the National Medical Commission (NMC) over the past six months, despite repeated directives and Supreme Court scrutiny. This non-compliance persists even as the apex court has slammed the NMC for inaction, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring fair compensation for future doctors during their crucial one-year internship.

Background on the Stipend Mandate

The issue traces back to longstanding Supreme Court interventions aimed at protecting MBBS interns from exploitation. In 2023, the court directed the NMC to compile nationwide data on stipend payments, noting that many colleges—especially private ones charging crores in fees—were not compensating interns adequately. This led to NMC’s July 11, 2025, circular mandating all colleges to disclose stipend details, with threats of regulatory action like fines, recognition withdrawal, or admission suspensions for defaulters.

Despite this, compliance remains elusive. The Health Ministry’s January 19, 2026, RTI reply, responding to Kerala-based activist Dr. KV Babu, confirmed that the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) under NMC is responsible for data compilation per court orders, yet 65 colleges have not responded. Dr. Babu, who filed the RTI on December 21, 2025, criticized the NMC for “dragging its feet” despite warnings, urging action ahead of the next court hearing.

Key Developments and Court Scrutiny

The Supreme Court has repeatedly intervened. On October 28, 2025, it rebuked the NMC for failing to enforce its own July directive, observing two years had passed since the 2023 order without progress. Earlier, in cases like the Army College of Medical Sciences plea, the court ordered stipends of Rs 25,000 monthly and arrears, slamming institutions for making interns work 18-19 hours without pay.

NMC surveys and RTIs have exposed the scale: over 60-70% of colleges previously reported not paying stipends or offering meager amounts under Rs 5,000, far below state government rates. In November 2024, NMC issued show-cause notices to 198 colleges, but recent data shows persistent gaps.

Current Stipend Landscape in India

Stipends vary widely by state and institution type, with NMC mandating private/deemed colleges match state government rates under CRMI Regulations, 2021. Government colleges typically pay Rs 12,000-30,000 monthly, while private ones range from Rs 2,000-25,000—often lower or withheld via deceptive practices like cash refunds.

State/UT	Govt College Stipend (Approx. Monthly)	Notes
Karnataka	Rs 19,000-25,000	Stable for govt colleges
West Bengal	Rs 16,000-27,000	Includes night duty incentives
Tamil Nadu	Rs 17,000-22,000	Via DME, rural postings
Bihar	Rs 15,000	Demands for hike to Rs 40,000
Himachal Pradesh	Rs 17,000	Consistent payments
Uttar Pradesh	Rs 12,000	Monthly via hospital

These disparities fuel demands for uniformity, with the Health Ministry in November 2025 directing NMC to examine equal stipends across govt-private lines.

Expert Commentary and Perspectives

Experts decry the situation as a betrayal of medical education ethics. Dr. KV Babu stated, “Though the Hon’ble SC made serious observations… they are still dragging their feet. This is a grave situation. We hope the NMC would wake up from its slumber.” Dr. Dhruv Chauhan, National Spokesperson for IMA Junior Doctors Network (IMA-JDN), posted on X: “A government ruining the healthcare of the nation cannot be patriotic. Period.”

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO Chief Scientist (not directly involved), has previously emphasized in public forums that fair intern pay is vital for workforce morale amid India’s doctor shortage. IMA-JDN chapters, like Bihar’s, demand hikes citing inflation and 24/7 workloads, comparing stipends unfavorably to daily wages.

From the institutional side, some college administrators argue compliance burdens amid financial strains post-pandemic, though NMC rejects this, prioritizing transparency.Public Health Implications

MBBS interns form the backbone of hospital staffing, handling emergencies, patient care, and public health duties. Non-payment or low stipends exacerbate burnout, with interns often skipping meals or rural postings due to unaffordable living costs—potentially compromising care quality and India’s healthcare workforce pipeline. With over 100,000 MBBS seats annually, unresolved issues could deter talent, widen urban-rural gaps, and strain the doctor-patient ratio (1:834 per 2024 data).

For aspiring doctors, this means financial distress during a pivotal training year, delaying financial independence. Patients suffer indirectly through fatigued staff. Uniform stipends could boost retention in underserved areas via rural incentives.

Challenges and Counterarguments

Critics like Dr. Babu note NMC’s history of “empty threats,” with no visible penalties despite notices. Colleges cite vague regulations allowing state/institute fixation, leading to delays. Enforcement gaps persist: while PG stipends are stricter under PGMER 2023, UG lag.

Potential fixes include nationwide minimums tied to inflation, digital portals for real-time reporting, and court-monitored timelines. However, federal structure limits central mandates, requiring state buy-in.

Path Forward for Readers and Policymakers

Prospective students should verify stipend policies pre-admission via NMC portals and state DMEs—crucial when fees exceed Rs 1 crore. Current interns can approach college grievance cells or courts, as in ACMS success. Policymakers must enforce transparency to uphold Article 21 rights to health and dignity.

This saga underscores the need for robust oversight in medical education, ensuring those training to heal aren’t exploited.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.