The National Medical Commission (NMC) has distanced itself from the issue of non-payment of stipends by 198 medical colleges to undergraduate interns, postgraduate residents, and senior residents, stating that responsibility lies with the respective state governments. This response, revealed through an RTI filed by activist Dr. K V Babu, comes despite NMC regulations mandating strict penalties for such violations, including accreditation withdrawal for five years and a Rs. 1 crore fine. Union Health Minister JP Nadda also emphasized that states are accountable for stipend payments but assured action if specific cases are brought to their attention.
In response to the RTI query, the NMC clarified that it functions as a regulatory body issuing guidelines and that enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of state authorities. The commission mentioned that data collection on stipend payments is ongoing. Following a Supreme Court directive, the NMC had issued show-cause notices in November 2023 to 115 government and 83 private colleges for failing to submit stipend details for interns and resident doctors in postgraduate and super-specialty programs. However, despite these notices, no punitive measures have been taken against the defaulting institutions.
Dr. Babu criticized the NMC for its inaction, pointing out that while the commission has the authority to impose penalties, it has now shifted responsibility to state authorities. He highlighted that NMC regulations, gazetted in September 2023, clearly outline that non-compliant colleges could face monetary fines of up to Rs. 1 crore. The activist expressed concern over the lack of enforcement, arguing that merely issuing guidelines without ensuring compliance undermines the credibility of the regulatory framework.
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