- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Sun, 02 Aug 2026 04:28 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- 3,600 MBBS interns on indefinite strike in Madhya Pradesh.
- Demanding stipend hike from Rs 14,337 to Rs 30,000.
- Reject verbal assurance, seek written order for implementation.
Nearly 3,600 MBBS interns across 13 government medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh have launched an indefinite strike, escalating a month-long protest over low stipends. What began as a demand for higher pay has now evolved into a wider movement seeking fair compensation and recognition for the workload handled by young doctors.
Why Are Interns Protesting?
Interns are demanding an enhancement in their monthly stipend from Rs 14,337 to Rs 30,000 per month.
The protesting doctors claim they do long shifts, sometimes even 24-hour ones, while pocketing just a "stipend", which they argue falls far short of what their duties and the soaring inflation should warrant. For the protest, they explain, is not merely a demand for better pay but an assertion of dignity.
How Did The Strike Begin?
The protest has been going on since July 9, 2026, in the form of rallies and work protests. In the last few days, it has escalated into an indefinite strike after work was stopped by all 13 government medical college interns, including Gandhi Medical College (GMC), Bhopal.
Government's Response
A delegation from Voice of Interns, Madhya Pradesh, recently met the Commissioner of Medical Education. During the meeting, officials reportedly gave a verbal assurance of a 20 per cent stipend hike and requested one month to complete the necessary administrative process.
However, intern representatives Dr Hrithik Gupta and Dr Hrithik Sharma have rejected the verbal assurance, stating that the strike will continue until the government issues a written order with a clear timeline for implementation. They have indicated that the protest could continue for another month if no official notification is issued.
Impact On Healthcare Services
The strike has already disrupted routine healthcare services at government hospitals across the state. Regular outpatient (OPD) services and ward operations have been affected, although emergency services continue to function.
Doctors have warned that if no resolution is reached soon, patient care could deteriorate significantly, especially at major government hospitals such as Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal.
Support From Medical Associations
The agitation has received backing from several medical bodies.
- The Junior Doctors Association (JUDA) has warned that its members may also join the protest and completely boycott OPD services if the interns' demands remain unresolved.
- The Progressive Medical Teachers Association, representing senior doctors and professors, has urged the state government to act quickly and find a solution.
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The Voice of Interns has thanked both organisations for extending their support.
While the government has assured verbally to hike the stipend, the only condition being awaited is a formal government order. Healthcare services in Madhya Pradesh are further facing the threat of interruption as the interns are standing their ground over not reporting for duty until formal notification.