The association has warned of a statewide strike if the state cabinet does not approve the hike during its meeting scheduled for the third week of Oct
The association presented its demands to medical education Minister Hasan Mushrif on Oct 1, after which the minister stated that the proposal had been forwarded to the planning and finance department. Dr Rushikesh Sangle, president of ASMI, said, “The current stipend of Rs18,000 is insufficient to cover rent or hostel charges, food, transport, professional attire, books, NEET-PG coaching, exam fees, and basic living costs. Due to this, many interns continue to remain financially dependent on their parents even after completing their MBBS.”
Speaking to TOI , Mushrif said, “We are positive about increasing the stipend for medical interns. The medical education department has recommended a hike and sent a proposal in its favour to the planning and finance department. We have recommended that the hike must be on a par with recent stipend increases approved by other states. For interns living independently, this leaves very little disposable income. An internship involves substantial clinical duties, emergency responsibilities, long working hours, night shifts, and limited rest. Despite this, the stipend is considerably lower than the income of many other graduate-level jobs.