Supreme Court Demands Action: Outrage as Medical Colleges Demand Rs 1 Crore Yet Refuse Stipends for MBBS Interns! Time for Equitable Compensation or No Internship at All?

Introduction

On February 6, the Supreme Court once again found itself at the forefront of addressing a critical issue affecting the medical education landscape in India. The court, led by Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Prasanna B Varale, expressed grave concerns over the complaints raised by MBBS interns regarding the inadequacy of stipend payments from medical colleges. This ongoing matter not only shines a spotlight on the financial challenges faced by medical interns but also delves into the broader issues of exorbitant fees charged by medical institutions.

Background of the Issue

The central theme of discontent revolves around the reported reluctance of medical colleges to adequately compensate MBBS interns despite charging substantial fees. Justice Dhulia, during the hearing, openly questioned the practices of these medical institutions, stating, “What kind of medical colleges are they? They are charging one crore, I do not know how much they are charging for postgraduate students and they are not prepared to give the stipend also.”

This matter gained prominence when the Supreme Court, in an earlier directive, directed the National Medical Commission (NMC) to respond to complaints that a significant portion of medical colleges fails to pay any stipend or falls short of the mandated minimum stipend for MBBS interns. The court’s proactive stance indicates a commitment to addressing systemic issues within the medical education sector.

The Army College of Medical Sciences Case

Among the writ petitions brought before the court, one particularly noteworthy case involves students from the Army College of Medical Sciences (ACMS). Last year, in an order dated September 15, the Court mandated ACMS to initiate monthly stipend payments of Rs. 25,000 to medical interns. However, the recent hearing brought to light some concerning details.

Senior Advocate Colonel (Retired) R Balasubramanium, representing ACMS, clarified that the college operates independently of the government or the army. ACMS is managed by the Army Welfare Education Society and registered under the Societies Registration Act, receiving no governmental aid. This distinction highlights the complexities surrounding the financial structure of medical institutions in India.

Petitioner’s advocate Tanvi Dubey revealed that stipend disbursement for the interns of ACMS commenced from October onwards for the next batch, despite their joining in April. Justice Dhulia, in response, directed the Counsel for ACMS to ensure stipend payments, stating, “Either you pay them, or you don’t have the internship.” This statement underscores the court’s insistence on fairness and transparency in the treatment of medical interns.

National Medical Commission’s Role

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, in a prior directive, instructed the NMC to submit a tabulated chart addressing the veracity of claims about the lack of stipends for medical interns and outlining steps taken for compliance. During the recent hearing, the NMC’s counsel refuted allegations of non-compliance, stating that 17 states have responded and are making stipend payments. However, the intricacies of the situation reveal that a comprehensive solution is yet to be achieved.

Broader Implications and Related Matters

This pivotal case has broader implications as it continues to uncover the challenges faced by MBBS interns across various medical colleges in India. It also serves as a lens into the financial practices of these institutions, prompting questions about the accessibility of medical education and the financial burden on students.

The scope of the issue has expanded with the inclusion of related matters. For instance, a writ petition by foreign medical graduates challenging non-payment of stipends has been tagged with this case. The Division bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta issued a notice in response to this plea, further expanding the spectrum of issues at hand.

Supreme Court’s Conclusion

As the Supreme Court grapples with the complexities surrounding stipend payments for medical interns, it emphasizes the urgency of equitable and transparent solutions. The case not only addresses the immediate concerns of MBBS interns but also serves as a catalyst for a broader conversation on the financial structure of medical education in India.

Moving forward, it is crucial for regulatory bodies, medical institutions, and policymakers to collaborate in devising a comprehensive framework that ensures fair compensation for interns while maintaining the financial sustainability of medical colleges. The court’s continued involvement in this matter signifies its commitment to fostering an environment where aspiring medical professionals can focus on their education without being burdened by financial constraints. The journey toward a more equitable medical education system in India is ongoing, with the Supreme Court playing a pivotal role in steering it towards positive change.

It’s noteworthy that Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, in a previous directive, instructed the NMC to submit a tabulated chart addressing the veracity of claims about the lack of stipends for medical interns and outlining steps taken for compliance. During the recent hearing, the NMC’s counsel refuted allegations of non-compliance, stating that 17 states have responded and are making stipend payments.

This pivotal case has also seen the inclusion of other related matters, including a writ petition by foreign medical graduates challenging non-payment of stipends. The Division bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta issued a notice in response to this plea, further expanding the scope of the issue at hand. The Supreme Court continues to grapple with the complexities surrounding stipend payments for medical interns, emphasizing the urgency of equitable and transparent solutions.