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Amritsar, May 28, 2025 — The dream of donning a doctor’s white coat is becoming increasingly elusive for many aspiring medical students in Punjab, as the cost of medical education continues to soar while stipends for interns remain stagnant. On Monday, May 26, students and interns from Government Medical College (GMC), Amritsar, staged a peaceful protest, highlighting the growing financial burden faced by future doctors.
Rising Fees, Stagnant Support
According to Dr. Archit Bawa, President of the Medical Students Association at GMC Amritsar, the MBBS course fees in Punjab have witnessed a dramatic 77% increase since 2019. “Until 2019, the fees were about Rs 4.4 lakhs. By 2025, they have jumped to Rs 11.8 lakhs,” Dr. Bawa stated. Meanwhile, the monthly stipend for MBBS interns has remained unchanged at Rs 15,000 for the past five years—amounting to just Rs 500 per day.
Dr. Bawa also pointed out the disparity with neighboring states, where students pay lower fees and receive higher stipends. “In other states, stipends are twice as high, and fees are half of what we pay here,” he added.
A Call for Government Action
The protest began with a march from the OutPatient Department (OPD) block of Guru Nanak Dev Hospital to the main gate of Government Medical College, Amritsar. Students carried placards and raised slogans, demanding an immediate halt to the annual 5% fee hike and an increase in their stipends.
The Medical Students Association had previously reached out to top state officials—including the chief minister, governor, and the director of medical education and research—via letters sent on May 7 and again on May 23, 2025. However, they have yet to receive any official response.
Impact on Aspiring Doctors
Students and interns argue that the current system disproportionately affects those from poor and middle-class backgrounds, making a career in medicine less accessible. “The government needs to intervene and make medical education more affordable and sustainable,” urged Dr. Bawa.
Looking Ahead
As the protest continues, students hope their voices will prompt urgent policy changes to address the financial challenges of pursuing a medical career in Punjab.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by EdexLive on May 27, 2025. For the latest updates and official statements, readers are encouraged to consult government sources and the original news report: EdexLive article.
