NMC told to examine non-payment of stipend to PG students, interns

IN a significant move, the health ministry has directed the National Medical Commission (NMC) to examine the issue of nonpayment of stipends by medical colleges and institutions to their interns and postgraduates.

- KAVITA BAJELI-DATT @ New Delhi

The move came after the Supreme Court on October 28, slammed the NMC saying it is "dragging its feet without any serious concern" and urged it to "wake up from its slumber and take appropriate steps".

The direction came after RTI activist Dr KV Babu wrote to Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on November 3, bringing to her attention the SC order and the NMC notification of July 11, which had asked medical colleges and institutions that were not paying stipends to share details of the payments, or face action.