Supreme Court Ensures Equal Internship Pay for Overseas Medical Graduates

This decision aims to address the long-standing issue of disparity in stipend payments faced by foreign medical graduates during their internships.

The Court's Directive

In response to a plea from a group of doctors highlighting the inequality in stipend payments, the Supreme Court has mandated equal stipends for foreign medical graduates. The court emphasized the importance of treating all medical graduates equally, irrespective of their nationality. This directive underscores the commitment to fairness and equality in the medical education system.

Ensuring Compliance

The court instructed the National Medical Commission (NMC) to provide details on stipend payments to foreign medical graduates in specific colleges, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Medical College, Vidisha; Dr. Laxminarayan Pandey Government Medical College, Ratlam; and Employees State Insurance Corporation Medical College, Alwar. Medical colleges were warned of strong consequences if they failed to comply with the stipend payment guidelines. The court reiterated the necessity for all medical colleges to adhere to the principle of equal treatment for both MBBS and foreign medical graduates.

Past and Present Actions

Previously, on January 23, the Supreme Court had sought responses from the NMC and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Medical College following a petition filed by five foreign medical graduates. The current ruling underscores the responsibility of the NMC and related bodies to ensure fair stipend payments to foreign medical graduates throughout their internship period. This decision reflects the ongoing efforts to uphold fairness and equality in the medical education system.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court's directive to provide equal internship stipends for foreign medical graduates is a significant step towards ensuring fairness and equality in the medical education sector. By addressing the disparity in stipend payments, the court's decision upholds the fundamental principle of treating all medical graduates equally, regardless of their nationality. It is a crucial move towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for medical professionals in India.