Medical interns in many states is protesting against low stipend and long working hours. Because of these protests, governments in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand has decided to increase the stipend. But the protests also showed that there is big difference in stipend amount from one state to another.
What Happened in Different States?
In Jammu and Kashmir, MBBS and BDS interns started indefinite protest on 31 August. They was getting only Rs 12,300 per month and demanding Rs 30,000. They also complained about duty going up to 36 hours. Later they stopped the strike after government promised to revise the stipend within one month.
In Madhya Pradesh, interns was asking for increase from Rs 14,337 to Rs 30,000. After protests in Bhopal (where police even used water cannon), the government gave 50% hike. Now they will get Rs 21,500 every month.
Uttar Pradesh has doubled the stipend for MBBS and BDS interns. It was Rs 12,000 earlier and now it will be Rs 25,000. This decision was taken by state Cabinet on 25 August and will benefit around 3,928 interns in government medical colleges.
Bihar had already increased the stipend from Rs 20,000 to Rs 27,000 for MBBS interns. Same amount is also given to Foreign Medical Graduate interns. On Friday, Bihar government also increased stipend for postgraduate students – first year from Rs 82,000 to Rs 92,800 and second year from Rs 90,200 to Rs 1,02,000.
In Uttarakhand, interns was getting Rs 17,000 and demanding Rs 30,000. After protest, government agreed to give Rs 25,000. After this announcement, interns called off their strike.
What Interns Are Saying?
One intern from Uttarakhand, Dr Amisha Sachdeva, said that Rs 25,000 is a relief even if it is less than what they asked. She said managing expenses on Rs 17,000 was very difficult and she had to take Rs 5,000-6,000 from her parents this month.
She also said food is expensive in hospital because there is no fixed lunch or dinner time. They just eat whatever is available which cost more. Mess fee in her college is around Rs 40,000-45,000 per year and hostel fee is Rs 5,000.
Final Words
The protests has clearly shown that stipend for medical interns is not same in every state even though the work is almost similar. Some states are now increasing the amount, but many interns still feel it is not enough looking at the long working hours and rising expenses.
