The Supreme Court of India today criticized the National Medical Commission (NMC) over delays and non-payment of stipends to MBBS interns. This issue affects thousands of medical graduates, including Indian and Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs). A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria ordered the NMC to file a detailed affidavit within two weeks, outlining compliance with stipend regulations.
Widespread Stipend Irregularities
The court’s concerns follow submissions detailing severe stipend problems. Reports indicated over 2,000 medical interns receive no stipend payments. An additional 4,000 interns are paid only half of their due stipend amount. A troubling submission revealed 1,000 interns were compelled to return payments to their institutions.
The court observed the NMC failed to enforce its own directives, despite being ‘stunned’ by these figures. The NMC had previously instructed medical colleges to disclose stipend details for interns and residents on their websites. This highlights a systemic breakdown in fair intern remuneration.
Judicial Scrutiny and Government Involvement
The Supreme Court sternly warned the regulatory body. “We hope and trust the NMC would get up from this slumber and take appropriate steps at least by the next date of hearing,” the apex court stated in its official order, as reported by Live Law. This underscores the court’s expectation for immediate action.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also been directed to ensure compliance. This extends responsibility for payment issues to a higher governmental authority, beyond just the medical commission.
Background of Student Petitions
The court’s intervention arose from its hearing of multiple petitions. These were filed by medical students and Foreign Medical Graduates. They sought resolution for non-payment of internship stipends, some pending for months. Petitions highlighted financial hardship and unfair labor practices.
Medical Associations Applaud Court’s Stand
Influential medical organizations welcomed the Supreme Court’s firm position. The United Doctors Front (UDF), representing foreign medical students, lauded the court’s proactive intervention addressing “long-pending stipend disparity” between Indian and foreign medical graduates. UDF chairperson Lakshya Mittal stated, “United Doctors Front welcomes this proactive intervention by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and reaffirms its commitment to fighting for equality, justice, and dignity of all medical graduates serving across the nation.”
The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) also echoed the Supreme Court’s NMC criticism. FAIMA emphasized the arduous working conditions interns face. “We have also highlighted that the doctors work on rigorous hours of more than 18 hours,” FAIMA stated. The association stressed that a “basic stipend is something they deserve as a matter of right,” emphasizing interns’ entitlement to fair compensation.
Mandatory Compliance and Future Review
The National Medical Commission is now under strict orders to file its compliance report within the stipulated two-week timeframe. This document must outline measures taken to rectify stipend payment discrepancies for MBBS interns. The court will review this report at its subsequent hearing, ensuring adherence to its directives and aiming to end the stipend crisis.