Nearly 200 medical colleges face penalties for stipend non-disclosure

In India, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has recently taken significant action against 198 medical colleges and institutions for non-compliance with mandatory stipend disclosure guidelines. This action follows a directive from the Supreme Court of India, issued in September 2023 and April 2024, which mandated that all medical colleges provide transparent information regarding stipend payments to medical interns and residents. The NMC's scrutiny revealed that out of the defaulters, 115 were government colleges and 83 were private institutions, reflecting a widespread issue within the medical education sector. Notably, Maharashtra accounted for 20 defaulters, while Telangana had the highest number, with 24 non-compliant institutions combined. Despite multiple reminders from the NMC, many colleges failed to fulfill their obligations to submit stipend details for the financial year 2023-24 and update their information monthly thereafter. The NMC has emphasized the importance of stipend payments as they provide essential financial support to those in medical training, who play an integral role in patient care across teaching hospitals. The non-disclosure of stipend information not only undermines the transparency expected by the Supreme Court but also raises concerns about the accountability of these institutions towards their trainees. In response to this non-compliance, the NMC issued show cause notices to these institutions, requiring them to explain why punitive measures should not be taken against them. The affected colleges were instructed to submit the required stipend data promptly and to ensure compliance within three days from the notice's issuance. This process of engagement aims to uphold the rights of medical trainees and maintain equitable standards across the medical education landscape in India. As the deadline for compliance approaches, it remains unclear how the implicated colleges will respond to this warning. The ongoing situation reflects underlying issues regarding the treatment of interns and residents within the medical education framework, prompting discussions about the need for stronger accountability and better regulatory measures in medical institutions across the country.