The journey of becoming a doctor in India is long, arduous, and often filled with challenges. The MBBS course itself is 4.5 years long, followed by a compulsory one-year internship, which is meant to provide practical, hands-on experience in various medical fields. This internship is a crucial period where medical graduates refine their skills before stepping into full-fledged professional practice or pursuing post-graduate studies.
As per National Medical Commission (NMC) and government guidelines, MBBS interns are entitled to a stipend for their services. However, the ground reality of these so-called “paid” internships is far from ideal. Low stipends, delayed payments, financial exploitation, and institutional malpractice have turned this mandatory training period into a financial burden rather than a rewarding experience. While government medical colleges at least provide some stipend (though often inadequate), private medical colleges have found ways to recover this amount through hidden charges, making the whole idea of a “paid internship” nothing but a deceptive illusion.
1. The Disparity in Stipend: A Case of Unequal Pay for Equal Work
One of the major issues with MBBS internships in India is the huge disparity in stipend amounts across different states. The stipend varies widely, typically ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹25,000 per month, depending on the state and institution. Some states provide relatively higher stipends (such as Delhi and Maharashtra), while others pay shockingly low amounts (such as West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha).
To put this into perspective, MBBS interns in government medical colleges work long shifts, handle emergency cases, conduct rounds, assist in surgeries, and manage patient care, yet their stipend is often lower than what many non-medical entry-level jobs pay. In some states, the stipend is so low that it barely covers basic living expenses, forcing interns to rely on their families for financial support.
This unequal pay for equal work raises a serious concern—why should interns in one state earn significantly less than their counterparts in another when they are doing the same job and undergoing the same training?
2. Delayed and Irregular Payments: A Struggle for Survival
Even in states where the stipend amount is relatively better, there is another pressing issue—delayed or irregular payments. Many interns across India have reported instances where they do not receive their stipends for months at a time. Some go 5-6 months without being paid, leading to frustration and financial distress.
Imagine a medical intern, working long hours in an emergency ward, managing critical patients, yet not being paid for months. In some cases, stipends are released only after repeated protests or threats of boycotts by interns. There have been instances where interns had to depend on their families or take loans to sustain themselves, which is ironic because they are already working professionals who should be financially independent.
This lack of financial security during internships not only demoralizes young doctors but also affects their mental well-being, making an already stressful job even more difficult.
3. The Exploitation of Interns in Private Medical Colleges
While government medical colleges at least provide stipends (even if delayed or inadequate), private medical colleges have found ways to manipulate the system, ensuring that they get back whatever they pay.
Some common tactics used by private medical colleges to recover stipends include:
A. Security Deposits Disguised as Fees
Many private medical colleges ask for a refundable security deposit from students before their internship starts. This amount conveniently equals or exceeds the total stipend that will be paid during the internship, essentially making the stipend meaningless.
B. Exorbitant Hostel and Mess Fees
Some institutions force interns to stay in college hostels and pay excessively high fees for food and accommodation, ensuring that whatever stipend they receive goes right back to the institution.
C. Unjustified Fines and Extra Charges
There have been reports where private colleges impose hefty fines on interns for minor reasons, such as missing a lecture, taking a leave, or minor errors in documentation. These fines often add up to thousands of rupees, ensuring that the stipend is taken back in a disguised manner.
In many cases, interns in private medical colleges effectively work for free, making the term “paid internship” an outright scam.
4. The Need for Urgent Reforms
The current system of MBBS internships in India is deeply flawed and desperately needs reforms. Some of the key changes that need to be implemented include:
A. Standardized Stipend Across India
The NMC should fix a minimum uniform stipend across all states and institutions, ensuring that all interns receive equal pay for equal work.
B. Timely Payment Mechanism
Interns should be paid on time, without delays. A direct bank transfer system should be implemented, ensuring that interns receive their stipend without bureaucratic hurdles.
C. Strict Regulations for Private Medical Colleges
Private medical institutions should be monitored and audited to ensure they are not recovering stipends through hidden fees and fines. Any institution found engaging in such practices should face strict penalties.
D. Grievance Redressal System for Interns
Interns should have a strong grievance redressal mechanism where they can report delayed payments, exploitation, or financial frauds without fear of retaliation.
5. Conclusion: Paid Internships Should Not Be a Burden
The concept of a paid internship in MBBS is meant to provide financial support and professional training to young doctors before they begin independent practice. However, the low stipends, delayed payments, and unethical practices in private medical colleges have turned this phase into a period of financial exploitation rather than professional growth.
If India truly values its doctors and aims to strengthen its healthcare system, it must start by ensuring that its medical interns are treated fairly, paid adequately, and not subjected to unnecessary financial stress. Until such reforms take place, the promise of a “paid internship” will remain nothing more than a well-disguised scam.
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