Patna, August 26, 2025 — MBBS interns at Patna Medical College & Hospital (PMCH) have initiated a protest demanding a significant increase in their monthly stipend, causing outpatient department (OPD) services and registration counters to come to a standstill.
As per reports, PMCH interns are currently receiving a stipend of ₹20,000 per month and are demanding a rise to ₹40,000 to match rates at more affluent institutions such as IGIMS (₹30,000) and AIIMS Patna (₹32,000). The interns assert that the last revision took place in 2022 and, despite promises, has not been updated since.
The Junior Doctors Association (JDA) has stated that their protest was driven by both financial strain and the need for recognition of their long working hours and responsibilities.
On Tuesday, the striking doctors shut down OPD services and registration counters. Patients and caregivers were left stranded, unable to receive timely medical attention.
During Friday’s protest, roughly 200 MBBS interns wore black armbands in peaceful solidarity, signaling their distress to authorities. The JDA also warned of the potential escalation of protests statewide, including OPD shutdowns across other medical colleges, if their demands go unmet
Interns highlight that their stipend lags not only behind autonomous institutions in Patna but also behind neighboring states:
IGIMS Patna: ₹30,000
AIIMS Patna: ₹32,000
West Bengal Interns: ₹43,000
Odisha Interns: ₹40,000
This large disparity has intensified their call for parity and equitable compensation.
JDA to escalate protest territory-wide if the government fails to acknowledge their demands
Health Department under pressure to act quickly and address the stipend revision or risk broader healthcare disruptions
Patient services remain compromised, especially OPDs, until a resolution is reached
