Maharashtra: MBBS interns seek Rs 30,000 monthly stipend, warn of strike from November 2

Medical interns participate in a silent protest at JJ Hospital. Pic/By Special Arrangement

MBBS interns staged a silent protest at JJ Hospital on Thursday, demanding a hike in their monthly stipend, while doctors across civic hospitals extended their support by wearing black armbands while carrying out their duties. Led by the Association of State Medical Interns (ASMI), the protest highlighted the long-pending demand for better remuneration despite repeated representations to the authorities, as well as 23 letters in the last three months, which went unanswered.

‘Want written assurance'

Dr Raman Pawar, secretary of ASMI, said, "Interns in Maharashtra currently get R18,000 a month. We have demanded that it be increased to Rs 30,000, with an additional three per cent annual hike. We have also sought a written assurance and a time-bound decision from the government, citing rising expenses on food, accommodation, transport, and other necessities, along with interns' extensive clinical responsibilities."

Dr Shivani Shelar, an intern participating in the protest, said, "We are demanding fair compensation. Many of us are posted to places like Palghar where we have to spend from our pocket for food and shelter. How are we supposed to manage on a meagre Rs 18,000?"

Dr Shubham Shejul, another intern, said, "We have submitted representations repeatedly, to no avail. We want the government to give us a written assurance and a deadline for implementing the hike. We cannot even afford a cab ride in case of late-night shifts."

Strike from Nov 2?

ASMI has warned that interns will launch a statewide strike from November 2 in the absence of a response from the authorities.

Body's appeal

The ASMI has appealed to Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif to intervene. The association said interns in UP, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh get R25,000 per month, while those in Jammu and Kashmir receive Rs 30,000.