Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 22: MBBS interns in Maharashtra staged a silent protest at JJ Hospital on Thursday, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from Rs 18,000 to Rs 30,000. The Association of State Medical Interns (ASMI) has warned of a statewide strike from November 2 if the state government fails to provide a satisfactory response by November 1.
The interns have also demanded a 3% annual increment, fair compensation in view of rising living costs and a written assurance from the government regarding the proposed stipend hike.
ASMI General Secretary Dr Raman Pawar said the issue had remained unresolved since 2024, when the association first demanded an increase to Rs 30,000. He alleged that repeated representations to government authorities had failed to elicit a response.
Pawar said the association submitted letters to the college dean, director, Commissioner of Medical Education and Research (DMER), education minister, principal secretary, deputy chief minister and chief minister during August and September. After allowing the authorities 15 to 20 days to respond, the association submitted a reconsideration letter on October 5, he added.
ASMI said the current stipend was insufficient to meet the rising costs of food, accommodation, transportation and other essential expenses. The association also highlighted the clinical responsibilities shouldered by interns, including patient examinations, emergency services, ward duties, night shifts and practical training across medical departments.
The association pointed out that MBBS interns in several other states receive higher stipends. According to ASMI, interns in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand receive Rs 25,000 per month, while those in Jammu and Kashmir receive Rs 30,000.
The interns have appealed to Maharashtra Medical Education and Drugs Department Minister Hasan Mushrif to intervene and resolve the issue.
ASMI has warned that a statewide strike will begin on November 2 if the government fails to provide a satisfactory response by the previous day. However, the association has clarified that emergency medical services will continue during the strike.
The interns, who have completed their MBBS degrees and are undergoing Compulsory Rotatory Medical Internship (CRMI) at government and affiliated medical colleges across Maharashtra, have been raising concerns over their stipend amid increasing living expenses and demanding compensation commensurate with their workload.