BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh state government has agreed to raise the monthly stipend for medical interns by 50 per cent to 21,500 rupees following a three-day protest, according to official statements and local media reports.
The agreement was reached on Wednesday after Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla met with representatives from the Junior Doctors’ Association and the Medical Teachers Association. Protesters had originally demanded a stipend increase from 14,337 rupees to 30,000 rupees a month to offset long working hours and high academic fees.
The strike significantly affected healthcare services across the state, disrupting outpatient departments at major facilities such as Hamidia Hospital and causing severe traffic delays in central Bhopal. Tensions intensified after police used water cannons and batons on demonstrators, resulting in injuries to several interns.
Shukla stated that two police personnel have been reassigned pending a formal inquiry into the police action, adding that the government would ensure proper medical care for injured students.
While the agreed figure falls short of the interns’ initial demand, medical representatives called off the demonstration and returned to work. Media reports note that the official written order outlining the effective date and terms of the stipend hike remains pending.
