Medical Stipend Issue
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has taken a major step to streamline how medical students address their complaints. On July 8, the NMC released an official advisory outlining a three-step grievance redressal system, particularly targeting long-standing issues such as unpaid or underpaid stipends. This marks a pivotal moment, offering a more transparent and structured pathway for students to raise their concerns.
The Three-Step Escalation Pathway for Student Grievances
To resolve student issues more effectively, the NMC has introduced the following multi-tiered approach:
1. Raise Issues with Medical Colleges First
Medical students must first report their grievances — whether it’s about stipends, infrastructure, or academic matters — directly to their respective medical colleges.
2. Escalate to Affiliated Universities if Unresolved
If the problem is not addressed satisfactorily by the college, students are encouraged to escalate the issue to the university that the college is affiliated with.
3. Approach State/UT Medical Education Departments
Should the university also fail to provide a resolution, the complaint must then be taken up with the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) or Health and Medical Education Department of the respective State or Union Territory.
Only after exhausting all three levels should students contact the National Medical Commission.
Unpaid Stipends: A Growing Concern
One of the most urgent concerns raised by students across India has been the non-payment or partial payment of government-mandated stipends, especially affecting interns and postgraduate students.
Case Example: CAIMS Protest in Telangana
In a recent and widely reported case, 64 MBBS interns at Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences (CAIMS) in Telangana were suspended after protesting over unpaid stipends. This case brought national attention to a systemic problem.
Shocking Statistics from NMC
60 medical colleges (33 government + 27 private) reportedly pay no stipends at all.
Another 50 colleges offer less than ₹5,000 per month — with some paying as little as ₹2,000.
These figures highlight the scale of exploitation faced by young medical professionals.
Criticism and Concerns from Activists
While the advisory aims to bring order to the complaint process, it has also faced criticism.
RTI Activist Dr. K.V. Babu’s View
Dr. Babu, who has consistently pushed for fair stipend practices, argues that the lengthy process is impractical, especially for interns who only have a 12-month training period.
“By the time they reach the third level of escalation, their internship might already be over,” he noted.
He also pointed out that:
The NMC already possesses data on stipend payments.
In 2023, the NMC issued show-cause notices to 198 colleges for not reporting stipend details.
Despite this, no strong action has been taken.
The Need for Direct Action
Dr. Babu urges the NMC to use its authority under the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations (MSEME) to penalize non-compliant colleges and ensure students receive fair treatment.
What This Means for Medical Students?
The NMC’s advisory is a step toward clarity, but whether it leads to genuine change depends on how effectively students, colleges, and government bodies use the outlined process.
Key Takeaways:
Students must follow the college → university → state department → NMC escalation path.
The stipend issue remains a major pain point.
Activists believe the NMC should take proactive enforcement action, not just outline steps.
Conclusion
The NMC’s new grievance redressal mechanism may help medical students understand how to seek justice, but without faster resolutions and stricter enforcement, many may continue to suffer in silence. With rising concerns over unpaid internships and growing frustration among young doctors, the pressure is now on colleges and authorities to act responsibly and uphold the dignity and rights of India’s future healthcare professionals.
Final Thoughts
As India continues to build a stronger healthcare system, it’s crucial that the voices of young doctors and medical students are heard and respected. Fair stipends, timely grievance redressal, and transparent communication are not just administrative matters — they directly impact the quality of medical education and healthcare delivery in the country.
Looking Ahead
The NMC’s guidelines provide a starting point, but what truly matters is how quickly and seriously these complaints are acted upon. Medical students are the backbone of our future healthcare workforce — ensuring their rights today will build a healthier tomorrow for all.
Stay Informed, Stay Empowered
If you are a student affected by similar issues, keep records of your communications, escalate responsibly, and stay updated on NMC advisories. Your awareness and action can contribute to larger reforms in medical education.
