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.”