Supreme Court Reprimands National Medical Commission Over Unpaid Stipends to Medical Interns

New Delhi:

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court heavily criticized the National Medical Commission (NMC) for its failure to ensure stipend payments to medical interns nationwide.

The court described the situation as "deeply concerning" and "unjustified," particularly considering the extensive working hours that young doctors endure.

Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria expressed strong disappointment with the NMC's inaction, noting that medical interns frequently work more than 18 hours daily and that receiving a stipend was "the bare minimum they deserve."

"The conduct of the NMC requires to be deprecated as the payment of stipend to interns has been pending for a long time before this court, yet the NMC appears to be dragging its feet without serious consideration. Therefore, we are compelled to make this observation," stated the bench, urging the medical education regulatory body to "wake up from its slumber."

Advocate Tanvi Dubey represented the petitioner interns, while Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati appeared for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The bench was addressing multiple petitions filed by Indian and foreign medical graduates challenging either non-payment or delayed payment of internship stipends by numerous medical colleges.

During proceedings, the bench inquired whether the NMC had submitted a compliance report as previously directed. The NMC's counsel presented a notice dated July 11, 2025, allegedly issued to medical colleges.

However, the court observed that even the directives in that notice remained unimplemented.

Dubey argued that interns have been "unjustly denied their stipends despite repeated assurances," adding that many petitioners have already completed their education, yet authorities have taken no concrete action.

She requested an early and definitive resolution to the issue.

Acknowledging the continued non-compliance, the bench ordered the NMC to file an affidavit within two weeks, demonstrating compliance with its own July 11, 2025, notice and detailing measures taken to ensure stipend payment to all interns.

"We hope and trust the NMC would emerge from its slumber and implement appropriate steps as indicated in its own communication dated 11.07.2025, at least by the next hearing date.

"The NMC shall also submit an affidavit including a list of medical colleges/institutes that have published details as specified in the communication dated 11.07.2025 and provide a copy for this court's review. The Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shall ensure the NMC's compliance...," the Supreme Court directed.

The bench emphasized that failing to pay stipends despite previous directions constituted disregard for its orders.

On September 15, 2023, the Supreme Court had instructed the NMC to file a compliance affidavit showing which colleges were paying stipends and what measures the NMC had implemented to ensure stipend payments.

The NMC issued a circular to colleges on July 11, 2025. However, when questioned about compliance details, the NMC's counsel couldn't provide information about the exact situation regarding stipend payments across all colleges.