The stipend for senior resident doctors in BMC hospitals currently ranges between Rs 63,000 and Rs 66,000 per month, depending on years of service. In contrast, doctors in state government hospitals under the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) receive upwards of Rs 90,000
GRAPHIC/SUHAS KALE
Senior resident doctors working in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) peripheral hospitals have once again raised demands for a long-pending revision of their stipends, pointing to the growing burden of inflation since 2020 and the persistent disparity in pay compared to their counterparts in state-run hospitals. In a letter to the additional municipal commissioner, the doctors have urged immediate action.
Currently, an estimated 1000-1200 senior resident doctors are working in the four major and 16 peripheral civic hospitals across Mumbai. “These doctors, who have completed their post-graduation and are vital to managing critical cases and emergency services, are feeling ignored and undervalued despite being the backbone of the public healthcare system,” said Dr Abhijit Helge, state president, Maharashtra Senior Resident Doctor Association (MSRDA).
The stipend for senior resident doctors in BMC hospitals currently ranges between Rs 63,000 and Rs 66,000 per month, depending on years of service. In contrast, doctors in state government hospitals under the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) receive upwards of Rs 90,000. “This disparity makes no sense when the responsibilities, workload, and qualifications are the same, if not greater,” said Dr Abhinav Wagh, a medical activist.
The MSRDA has also hinted that failure to address their concerns could lead to a city-wide strike. “We are trying our best to speak with authorities and politicians from the opposition and ruling parties. But if no one supports and nothing is done to help us, we will be left with no option other than going on a strike till our demands are fulfilled. We do not want to cripple the already-burdened public healthcare system which is why we haven’t taken stringent measures such as going on a strike in the last five years. But now, it has become a bigger problem which needs immediate attention,” said Helge.
“It’s been nearly four years since our stipend was last revised. Every essential — from food and rent to transport — has become costlier. How are we expected to survive in Mumbai on outdated stipends, especially when our colleagues in state-run hospitals are drawing significantly more?” questioned Dr Abhijeet Holambe, who works as a senior resident at BDBA Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivli West.
Despite sending multiple representations over the past years, doctors say there has been no clear explanation from the BMC about the delay. “The doctors were always given verbal assurances, but nothing has been implemented yet,” said Wagh. The doctors have asserted that their appeal is not confrontational but stems from deep frustration.
Voices
Dr Abhijit Helge, State president, MSRDA
‘We do not want to cripple the already-burdened public healthcare system which is why we haven’t taken stringent measures such as going on a strike in the last five years. But now, it has become a bigger problem which needs immediate attention’
Dr Abhijeet Holambe, Senior resident doctor, BDBA Shatabdi Hospital
‘Every essential — from food and rent to transport — has become costlier. How are we expected to survive in Mumbai on outdated stipends?’
Dr Abhinav Wagh, A medical activist
‘The disparity makes no sense when the responsibilities, workload, and qualifications are the same, if not greater’
Facts and figures
Rs 63,000-Rs 66,000
Salary earned by senior resident doctors at BMC-run hospitals
Rs 90,000
Minimum salary earned by senior resident doctors in state-run hospitals
Rs 30,000
Approximate difference between salaries despite being equally qualified/doing same work
5
No of years doctors have been waiting for the increment
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