SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Jan 19: A delegation of the Jharkhand Junior Doctors’ Network (JDN) will meet Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari in Ranchi on January 22 to raise concerns over the delay and lack of clarity in stipend payments to junior doctors across the state’s medical colleges.
JDN, the frontal organisation representing Senior Residents (SRs), Junior Residents (JRs), and interns of government medical colleges in Jharkhand, said prolonged delays in stipend disbursal have pushed junior doctors into severe financial stress.
Financial stress affecting morale and services
Sharing the details, JDN State Secretary Dr Raghvendra Kumar said that the delegation would apprise the Health Minister of the difficulties faced by SRs, JRs, and interns due to irregular stipend payments.
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“The delay in stipends and absence of clear communication have adversely affected the morale and day-to-day functioning of junior doctors, who form the backbone of services in medical college hospitals,” Dr Raghvendra said.
Demand for timely revision of stipends
JDN office bearers said they would urge the Health Minister to ensure timely revision and regular payment of stipends, which they believe would bring a significant improvement in hospital services and working conditions in medical colleges.
At present, Senior Residents receive ₹82,000 in the first year, ₹82,500 in the second year, and ₹85,000 in the third year. Postgraduate students are paid ₹54,000 in the first year, ₹58,500 in the second year, and ₹63,500 in the third year, while interns receive ₹17,500 per month.
Call for structured revision mechanism
Apart from an increase in stipends, JDN has also demanded the institutionalisation of a three-year stipend revision mechanism for Senior Residents, Junior Residents, and interns to ensure transparency and predictability.
“JDN is hopeful that the Health Minister will give due consideration to these issues and take prompt steps in the interest of doctors, patients, and the overall healthcare system,” Dr Raghvendra Kumar said.
