Bengaluru Allied Health Sciences Interns Stage Campus Protest Over Unpaid Stipends
Students pursuing Bachelor of Science in allied health sciences (AHS) at the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) organized a protest on campus on Wednesday, voicing their demand for stipends during their compulsory internship period. The demonstration highlighted growing discontent among healthcare trainees over financial hardships and inadequate institutional support.
Financial and Mental Strain Cited by Protesting Interns
The AHS curriculum mandates a one-year internship following three years of academic study. During this phase, interns are engaged in full-time clinical responsibilities, which often extend to night shifts and involve direct patient care for 8 to 12 hours daily. Despite these demanding duties, the students allege that they receive no stipend, leading to significant financial and mental stress. "We actively contribute to healthcare delivery, yet the lack of monetary compensation is overwhelming," one protester stated, emphasizing the burden on their personal resources.
Additional Grievances Beyond Stipend Issues
Beyond the stipend controversy, the protesters raised several other concerns regarding their living and academic conditions. They claimed that government hostel facilities are denied to them, forcing reliance on expensive private accommodations. Furthermore, they pointed out that government-mandated provisions for AHS courses, such as:
- Separate faculty members
- Adequate infrastructure
- Dedicated academic buildings
are not being properly implemented at BMCRI. In a press note, the students contrasted their situation with other government institutions like the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Sanjay Gandhi Institute, and Jayadeva Institute, where AHS interns reportedly receive stipends, underscoring the disparity in treatment.
Institutional Response and Official Stance
In response to the protest, BMCRI officials acknowledged that while AHS students are not officially entitled to stipends, they have already communicated with the government to support the students' cause. Principal Asima Banu commented, "We provide excellent facilities, including labs and libraries, to our students. The decision to grant stipends is a policy matter that rests with the government, and we have forwarded their request. However, protesting on campus disrupts classes, which is not a healthy trend for academic continuity."
The protest underscores broader issues in healthcare education, where interns balance clinical contributions with financial instability, calling for policy revisions to ensure fair compensation and better support systems for future medical professionals.
