The central government is evaluating a revision of MBBS internship stipends, following a break in the biennial revision cycle that had been maintained for the past six years. A response to a Right to Information (RTI) query from the health ministry has confirmed that a proposal is under active consideration.
Current Stipend Rates and Revision History
According to health ministry records, the stipend was raised from Rs 23,500 per month effective January 1, 2018, to Rs 26,300 from January 1, 2020, and further to Rs 30,070 from January 1, 2022. No revision has been announced since then, marking the first interruption in the two-year revision pattern.
RTI Response Reveals Ongoing Review
In a reply dated June 15, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated that the matter is currently under consideration and undergoing review, vetting, and administrative examination by competent authorities. The response was to an RTI application seeking details on the non-revision of stipends after January 1, 2022.
The Ministry said: "The matter involves a policy decision and is presently under consideration within the ministry. The proposal is under review, vetting and administrative examination by the competent authorities."
Role of Interns in Healthcare
Interns form a critical part of the healthcare workforce in government hospitals. They assist in outpatient departments, emergency services, wards, and public health programmes while completing their compulsory rotatory internship training. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has repeatedly flagged concerns over non-payment and unequal payment of stipends across medical colleges, directing institutions to ensure timely payment to interns and resident doctors.
Confidentiality of Decision-Making Process
While confirming that a proposal is under examination, the ministry declined to disclose file notings, committee observations, and inter-departmental consultations, citing Section 8(1)(i) of the RTI Act. This exemption protects records related to an ongoing decision-making process until a final decision is taken.
Demands for Periodic Revision
Medical students' groups have long sought periodic revision of stipends, arguing that rising living costs and wide variations in payments across institutions have increased the financial burden on interns despite similar workloads. Although the ministry has not indicated the likely quantum of any increase or a timeline for a decision, the RTI reply confirms that the issue is formally under consideration within the government.
If approved, thousands of interns across central government medical colleges and AIIMS institutions could benefit from the revised stipend. The development highlights the government's attention to the welfare of medical trainees who play a vital role in the healthcare system.
