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New Delhi, May 1, 2025:
In a significant move addressing the ongoing concerns of unpaid stipends to medical interns and resident doctors, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has directed the Department of Health and Family Welfare to take appropriate action. This directive follows a petition by Dr. KV Babu, a Kerala-based health activist, who has been advocating for the rights of medical students and professionals for over two years.
Background: Widespread Non-Payment Revealed
The issue came to light after Dr. Babu filed a Right to Information (RTI) request, which revealed that the PMO had received his letter on March 21, 2025. The complaint was subsequently forwarded to the Health Ministry via the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS).
Medical Dialogues previously reported that, according to documents obtained through RTI, a total of 33 government and 27 private medical colleges across India were not paying any stipends to MBBS interns, postgraduate resident doctors, or senior doctors. This revelation followed the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) issuance of show-cause notices to 198 medical colleges in November 2024 for failing to comply with regulations regarding stipend payments.
Regulatory and Legal Context
Under the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023, payment of stipends to MBBS interns and postgraduate doctors is mandatory. Non-payment is considered a punishable offense. Despite this, many colleges have either failed to pay or provided only nominal stipends, prompting widespread concern and legal scrutiny.
While the NMC had issued notices and requested data from all medical colleges, only 290 government and 265 private institutions submitted the required information by July 2024. The remaining 198 colleges did not comply, with no subsequent action taken by the NMC. The Commission clarified that enforcement of stipend regulations falls under the jurisdiction of the respective States and Union Territories.
Calls for Central Intervention
Dr. Babu, frustrated by the lack of action from both the NMC and the Health Ministry, escalated the matter to the PMO. He also wrote to the Union Health Minister, urging intervention under Section 45 of the NMC Act, which empowers the Central Government to direct the Commission and its boards.
Speaking to The New Indian Express, Dr. Babu said, “Here is a peculiar situation, and hence, I have made the request to the PMO. The State Medical Councils have no jurisdiction on this issue, and the NMC has failed to take action, while the Health Ministry has been evasive, though payment of stipend to MBBS interns and PG doctors is mandatory. Non-payment of stipend is punishable, as per the NMC regulations.”
He expressed hope that the PMO’s intervention would finally resolve the issue and ensure justice for thousands of unpaid medical interns and residents across the country.
What Happens Next?
With the PMO now directly involved, the Health Ministry is expected to take concrete steps to address the non-payment of stipends. The medical community awaits further action and hopes for a swift resolution to this long-standing issue.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by Medical Dialogues and related sources as of May 1, 2025. The situation is evolving, and further actions or updates may follow. Readers are advised to consult official government notifications and trusted news outlets for the latest information.
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