New Delhi: A recent RTI inquiry has revealed that 60 medical colleges across India have failed to pay stipends to their interns, residents, and senior residents. The National Medical Commission (NMC), which had issued show cause notices to 198 medical colleges on November 28, 2024, has not taken any direct action, citing that States and Union Territories (UTs) are responsible for enforcement.
RTI Inquiry and Findings
Kerala-based health activist Dr. KV Babu filed an RTI application seeking details on the legal opinion obtained by the NMC regarding actions against these non-compliant institutions. The RTI response revealed that:
✔ Out of 753 medical colleges, only 555 (290 government + 265 private) submitted stipend details.
✔ 198 colleges (115 government + 83 private) failed to provide their stipend records.
✔ Among those that submitted data:
- 33 government and 27 private colleges were found not paying stipends.
✔ Total of 60 medical colleges were exposed for not compensating interns and residents despite regulations.
NMC’s Response
Despite the findings, the NMC has not taken direct action against these colleges. In response to another RTI filed by Dr. Babu, the Commission stated that enforcing stipend payments is the responsibility of State/UT governments, not the NMC.
What’s Next?
🚨 Medical activists and resident doctors have expressed concerns over the lack of action, urging State governments to enforce stipend regulations.
📢 Student unions and healthcare organizations are calling for stronger accountability and penalties against defaulting institutions.
🏛 Legal experts suggest that affected interns and residents can approach the courts or the Medical Education Departments of respective States for redressal.
With medical professionals relying on stipends for their sustenance, this issue raises critical questions about the accountability of medical institutions and the implementation of the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023.
