SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Mar 19: A delegation representing all six medical colleges in Jharkhand, under the banner of Junior Doctors Network (JDN), is set to meet the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) for Health to discuss the demand for a stipend increase for senior/junior residents, interns, and relaxation of the existing Service Bond rules.
Stipend Discrepancy with Other States
JDN office bearers stated that senior residents, junior residents (non-academic), and interns in Jharkhand’s medical colleges receive stipends significantly lower than their counterparts in other states. As a result, the delegation has decided to raise the matter with the ACS Health.
The delegation will include JDN President Dr. Vikash Kumar, Vice-President Dr. Jaideep (RIMS Ranchi), Secretary Dr. Raghvendra Kumar (MGMMCH Jamshedpur), along with representatives from SNMMCH Dhanbad, PJMCH Dumka, SBMCH Hazaribagh, and MMCH Palamu.
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Previous Assurance on Stipend Increase
The ACS Health had on August 4, 2024, in telephonic conversation during a meeting with the then Health Minister, assured to look into the demand of increasing stipend for senior residents, junior residents, and interns.
JDN Secretary Dr. Raghvendra Kumar emphasized that despite the previous assurance, the issue has not been resolved, leading the group to request a meeting with the current ACS Health.
“We have been demanding an increase in stipends to at least match those of Bihar for a long time,” Dr. Kumar said, highlighting the need for action since the government has changed.
Demand for Service Bond Rule Revision
Another key demand from JDN is the revision of the Service Bond Rules. Currently, senior residents completing their PG in Jharkhand medical colleges must serve three years in a government hospital. If they wish to avoid this obligation, they must pay a fine of Rs 30 lakh.
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Proposed Stipend Increases
JDN has proposed a stipend increase for senior residents, junior residents, and interns in Jharkhand’s medical colleges. The demands include:
- Senior Residents: Rs 85,000 for the 1st year (currently Rs 80,000), Rs 95,000 for the 2nd year (currently Rs 82,500), and Rs 1.5 lakh for the 3rd year (currently Rs 85,000).
- Junior Residents: Rs 82,000 for the 1st year (currently Rs 54,500), Rs 90,200 for the 2nd year (currently Rs 58,000), and Rs 99,220 for the 3rd year (currently Rs 63,500).
- Interns: Currently receiving Rs 17,500, JDN has demanded Rs 30,000 per month to match the stipend offered in other states.
