The Union Ministry of Health and Welfare has sent a reminder to the National Medical Commission (NMC) regarding the incorporation of changes in the provisions in the regulations regarding payment of stipends to undergraduate (UG) medical trainees. This is to ensure that those studying in government and private medical colleges receive the same amount as a scholarship.
The mail, sent on December 15, asks the NMC to examine the provisions in the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) Regulations 2021 for UG students and the corresponding provisions in the Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) Regulations 2023.
Article 6.3 of the CRMI Regulations states that “All trainees shall receive a stipend as determined by the competent authority of the concerned institution/university or state.” However, Clause 5.4 of the PGME Regulations says that “post-graduate students pursuing Post-Graduate/Diploma/Super Specialty courses in all institutions shall be paid a stipend equal to the stipend paid to post-graduate students of State Government Medical Institutions/Central Government Medical Institutions in the State/Union Territory”.
Public health activists and medical students point out that the clauses in the CRMI regulations are vague. They also say that the provision in the PGME regulations is clearer as it mandates equal payment of stipends to medical trainees regardless of where they study. While those in government medical colleges receive a monthly stipend of between ₹25,000 and ₹30,000, their counterparts in private medical colleges are reportedly paid less. The request is to change the clause in the CRME Regulations in line with the PGME Regulations.
Kannur-based ophthalmologist and RTI activist KV Babu had earlier sent letters to the Union Health Minister alleging that the NMC was hesitant to ensure parity in the payment of stipends. He also highlighted the Supreme Court order issued in this regard in October. In a notice issued in July, the NMC said non-compliance would require “regulatory action”. However, no follow-up action was taken, said Dr. Grandma in a letter.
Subsequently, on November 6, the health ministry wrote to the NMC secretary to “investigate the issue related to the provision of stipends paid to undergraduate interns in the CRMI Regulations, 2021, having regard to similar provisions under the PGMER, 2023”, as the commission was mandated with the framework regulations under the NMC Act, 2019. Now the ministry has sent a notice.
Published – 16 Dec 2025 21:51 IST
