The Supreme Court has criticized medical colleges for charging exorbitant fees of up to Rs 1 crore but failing to pay stipends to MBBS interns. The Court stated that if colleges cannot pay stipends, they should not offer internships.
The Supreme Court, on Monday (February 6), raised serious concerns regarding the complaints of MBBS interns who alleged that medical colleges are not paying them adequate stipends. The bench, consisting of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Prasanna B Varale, was hearing a series of writ petitions filed by medical students.
During the hearing, Justice Dhulia expressed his dissatisfaction with the way medical colleges are charging exorbitant fees while failing to fulfill their obligation to pay stipends to interns. He remarked that it was unfair for colleges to charge fees as high as Rs 1 crore and then not pay stipends to interns who are essentially providing services to the hospitals associated with these colleges.
The bench emphasized the importance of stipends for interns, noting that they are an integral part of the medical education system and play a crucial role in supporting students during their internship period. The Court highlighted that interns often work long hours, providing essential services in hospitals, and should be fairly compensated for their efforts.
Justice Dhulia further remarked that if medical colleges cannot afford to pay stipends to interns, they should not offer internship programs. He suggested that colleges should be transparent about their financial capabilities and should not burden students with high fees if they are unable to fulfill their obligations towards interns.
The Court also expressed concern over the quality of medical education being provided by some colleges, noting that the lack of proper facilities and resources can have a detrimental impact on students’ learning experience. The bench emphasized the need for colleges to maintain high standards of education and infrastructure to ensure that students receive quality education.
The Supreme Court directed the Medical Council of India (MCI) to look into the issue and submit a report on the status of stipend payments to MBBS interns across the country. The Court also asked the MCI to examine the financial capabilities of medical colleges and ensure that they are complying with the guidelines regarding stipend payments.
The Court’s directive comes as a welcome relief to MBBS interns who have been struggling to make ends meet due to the non-payment of stipends. It sends a strong message to medical colleges that they cannot exploit students by charging high fees without providing the necessary support and facilities.
