On Monday, the Supreme Court (SC) of India criticized the National Medical Commission (NMC) for failing to ensure that mandatory stipends are paid to MBBS interns. They noted that approximately 70% of medical colleges are not providing mandatory stipends to MBBS interns nationwide.

A panel comprising Chief Justice Mr. D Y Chandrachud, Justice Mr. J B Pardiwala, and Justice Mr. Manoj Misra disapproved of the NMCs actions. They raised concerns over the working conditions, such as long working shifts faced by young doctors, calling it a form of bonded labor.

The SC critique primarily revolved around the failure of private medical colleges, which often charge substantial donations or capitation fees during student admissions, to meet their obligation of providing stipends to MBBS interns. The Court questioned the NMCs role as a regulator in overseeing and enforcing such obligations.

These remarks were made after a lawyer claimed that several medical colleges were not adhering to the stipend requirements for MBBS interns. During the proceedings, a representative from the NMC requested additional time to gather the necessary information and report back to the panel, which was granted.

(Source:https://www.ndtv.com/education/supreme-court-slams-national-medical-commission-over-non-payment-of-stipends-to-mbbs-interns-4489208 )