Medical interns threaten strike over hike in stipend

YAVATMAL: The Association of State Medical Interns (ASMI) has threatened to launch an indefinite statewide agitation in the near future if their demand for enhancing the existing stipend of Rs 2,550 per month to Rs 13,000 per month is not sanctioned, said the district unit president of ASMI Dr Gururaj Tammewar here on Sunday.
According to Dr Tammewar, medical interns in 18 government-run medical colleges across the state are together in ASMI."We are paid Rs 2,550 per month as stipend and expected to work round the clock," he said, asking, "How can we survive in this amount. We are forced to trouble our poor parents for money."
"Our average daily wage is a meagre Rs 85, whereas a farm labourer gets Rs 150 per day for eight hours," he pointed out. "It is exploitation and violation of human rights and fundamental right of leading a dignified life," he said. He added that they have lost their patience and will no longer work as bonded labourers.
Dr Tammewar said only the progressive state of Maharashtra pays a pittance to its medical interns. The monthly stipend is between Rs 14,000 and Rs 5,000 in states like West Bengal, Delhi, Assam, Orissa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
He said that considering monthly expenses like accommodation, meals, travel, text books and other miscellaneous expenses, interns deserve at least Rs 9,500 to Rs 13,000. "Even after 5½ years of study and training, we are getting a meagre Rs 2,550," said ASMI general secretary Dr Pradeep Kharde.
"We have made a joint representation to minister of medical education Dr Vijaykumar Gavit on March 6 and tried to draw his attention towards our plight," said vice president Dr Vijay Katre.