ABVP wants monthly stipend for MBBS, BDS interns raised from Rs 14,337 to Rs 30,000
ABVP has submitted a memorandum to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, demanding a sharp increase in the monthly stipend paid to MBBS and BDS interns studying at government and private medical and dental colleges across the state.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s Mahakoshal unit has asked for the stipend to be raised from the current Rs 14,337 to Rs 30,000 per month, along with an annual increase linked to dearness allowance.
Ketan Chaturvedi, ABVP’s Madhya Bharat Prant Mantri, said MBBS and BDS interns work through the final and most demanding stage of their medical education. He said interns are not merely trainees during this period but form a key part of hospital healthcare services, working in wards, emergency units, operation theatres, ICUs and OPDs under the guidance of senior doctors.
He added that interns often work long night shifts and handle heavy workloads during emergencies, contributing significantly to the state’s healthcare system.
Chaturvedi said the current stipend of Rs 14,337 per month is too low given rising living costs. He pointed out that hostel or rented accommodation, food, transport, study materials, internet, books and preparation for competitive exams add up to expenses the stipend cannot cover. As a result, he said, many interns remain financially dependent on their families, adding to their stress.
Ayush Parashar, provincial coordinator of ABVP’s medical students’ wing, said the National Medical Commission has implemented a uniform curriculum, training system and evaluation process across the country under Competency Based Medical Education.
He said that since medical education, training and responsibilities are standardised nationwide, wide differences in stipend amounts between states are not justified. He added that interns in Madhya Pradesh carry out the same responsibilities as their counterparts elsewhere and should be paid a comparable, respectable stipend.
In its memorandum, ABVP has asked the state government to raise the stipend for all MBBS and BDS interns in government and private colleges to Rs 30,000 per month with immediate effect, and to introduce a permanent provision for annual increases based on dearness allowance. The organisation said this would prevent interns from having to submit memoranda or protest for the same demand every year.
ABVP said young doctors undergoing medical training are a valuable resource for the state’s healthcare system, and that strengthening them financially would also help improve the quality of healthcare services.
The organisation said it hopes the state government will take the matter seriously and arrive at a positive decision soon, while warning that it would be compelled to launch a stronger agitation if the demand is not met.
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