The Supreme Court has asked the National Medical Commission (NMC) to respond to a petition filed by 154 doctors from Kerala. The doctors are seeking equal stipend payments. They argue that doctors from self-financing medical colleges receive less pay than those from government hospitals.
Doctors Demand Stipend Parity
A Supreme Court bench, including Justices Aravind Kumar and P B Varale, issued notices to the NMC and the Kerala University of Health Sciences. The court wants their replies on the petition. The doctors filed the petition through advocate Tanvi Dubey.
The petition challenges the current stipend system. Doctors say they are being unfairly treated. They claim their stipends are being withheld or not paid in full. These doctors are completing mandatory internships at Kerala’s medical colleges and hospitals.
Disparities in Stipend Payments
The petition highlights a significant pay gap. Doctors from both self-financing and government institutions perform similar duties. However, their stipend amounts differ. The Kerala University of Health Sciences previously issued a circular. This circular recommended equal stipends for doctors in government and self-financing hospitals.
Currently, the statutory stipend is set at Rs 27,300. However, the colleges are paying interns between Rs 8,000 and Rs 17,000. This is according to the petition. Interns must cover their own living expenses, including accommodation and food. The petition states that the lower stipend makes it difficult to meet basic needs.
Legal Action and Next Steps
The doctors are seeking legal intervention to ensure fair payment. The Supreme Court’s notice is the first step in this legal process. The NMC and the Kerala University of Health Sciences will now have to provide their official responses to the court.
This case focuses on the financial challenges faced by junior doctors during their compulsory internships. It raises questions about equitable treatment across different types of medical institutions within the state.