SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 9: The Senior Residents’ body of government medical colleges in the state has urged the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Health, to institutionalise a three-yearly stipend revision mechanism for senior residents, postgraduate students and interns.
The demand was raised by the IMA Junior Doctors Network (JDN), the representative body of senior residents, in a memorandum submitted to the ACS Health on Thursday.
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Rising cost of living cited
The JDN said there is an urgent need to introduce a mandatory stipend revision every three years, keeping in view the prevailing economic conditions. According to the body, the cost of living between 2023 and 2026 has risen sharply, while stipends have not increased in the same proportion.
Senior residents, PG students and interns face growing expenses related to accommodation, food, transportation, academic activities, examination fees and research work, the memorandum stated.
Backbone of hospital services
The JDN pointed out that senior residents, postgraduate students and interns form the backbone of hospital services, as they are actively involved in patient care, emergency and critical services, teaching and research activities.
“We urge the ACS Health to formally institutionalise a mandatory three-year stipend revision mechanism. This will motivate junior doctors working in medical colleges and also help strengthen health services,” said JDN chairman Dr Sushil Kumar and secretary Dr Raghvendra.
Current stipend structure
At present, senior residents receive Rs 80,000 in the first year, Rs 82,500 in the second year, and Rs 85,000 in the third year.
Postgraduate students are paid Rs 54,500 in the first year, Rs 58,500 in the second year, and Rs 63,500 in the third year.
Interns at all five medical colleges receive a monthly stipend of Rs 17,500.