Following a tumultuous period for resident doctors in Maharashtra, marked by issues surrounding stipend payments, regularization, and infrastructure deficiencies, the state government has taken proactive measures to address these concerns through the issuance of new government resolutions (GRs).
However, despite these efforts, a fresh challenge has emerged regarding the implementation of a stipend hike for medical interns.
Intern doctors affiliated with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) medical colleges have voiced grievances over the delay in receiving revised stipend payments, despite a government resolution mandating the increase.
The GR, passed on February 27, 2024, underscored a critical shift in policy, elevating monthly stipends for interns from Rs 11,000 to Rs 18,000, effective immediately. This upward adjustment was intended to benefit interns across all government hospitals, including those specializing in ayurvedic, Unani, and homeopathy, throughout Maharashtra.
Dr. Abhinav Wagh, serving as the Joint Secretary of the Association of State Medical Interns (ASMI), Maharashtra, shed light on the discrepancy in the rollout of this revised stipend structure. While medical colleges under state jurisdiction, such as JJ Hospital, Baramati, Ambajogai, Aurangabad, and Yavatmal, swiftly complied with the updated payment terms, BMC-affiliated medical colleges have yet to follow suit.
Dr. Abhinav underscored the importance of municipal corporations issuing their own resolutions to ensure the seamless implementation of the state government’s directive. Regrettably, the BMC’s delay in executing this process has only exacerbated the situation, leading to growing frustration among interns.
In an effort to expedite proceedings, the association garnered approvals from the deans of five prominent medical colleges, with the endorsed documentation subsequently forwarded to the BMC. These esteemed institutions include:
Raje Edward Memorial Hospital
Topiwala National Medical College Bai Yamunabai Laxman Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai
Nair Dental College, Mumbai
Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital
Hinduhrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College
Dr. Rustom Narsi Cooper Municipal General Hospital
Despite concerted efforts, the BMC’s lack of response has prolonged the ordeal, further exacerbating the frustrations felt by interns.
In a candid statement issued by the Association of State Medical Interns, Maharashtra, mounting frustration with the BMC’s apparent lack of cooperation was palpable. They characterized the prevailing circumstances as indicative of a “bureaucratic lapse,” or as Dr. Abhinav suggested, a “purposeful delay or procrastination.”