UP MBBS Interns Demand Higher Stipend, Cite Rising Costs

Lucknow, UP: Medical interns in Uttar Pradesh have urged Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Medical Education Brajesh Pathak to increase their monthly stipend. The doctors, under the CMJ Doctors Welfare Federation India, highlighted the disparity in stipends, pointing out that UP interns receive only ₹12,000 per month, whereas their counterparts in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi earn between ₹20,000 to ₹30,000.

In a letter to the authorities, the interns explained that they work long hours, assist in surgeries, handle emergency cases, and help keep the healthcare system running smoothly. However, their current stipend is not enough to cover basic expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation, especially with the rising cost of medical education.

Dr. Sudhanshu Pandey, State President of CMJ Doctors Welfare Federation, stated that they have officially requested an increase in the stipend for Indian and foreign medical graduates undergoing internships in the state. The federation has proposed raising the stipend to at least ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per month.

Currently, the ₹12,000 stipend in UP remains significantly lower than in many other states, leading to growing dissatisfaction among medical interns. The state government has yet to respond to the demand.

They believe that a higher stipend would reduce financial stress and motivate them to continue serving patients with dedication. The doctors also mentioned that Uttar Pradesh has been making progress in healthcare, and increasing the stipend would boost the morale of young doctors and improve medical services in the state.

The interns requested the government to raise their stipend to match or exceed those of other states. They believe this step would not only help current interns but also attract more young doctors to work in government hospitals, ultimately improving healthcare across the state.