Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma, New Delhi

In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India Supreme Court of India has taken a strict stance over the non-payment of stipends to Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), expressing concern that its clear directives are still not being fully implemented across several states.

Despite judicial instructions mandating stipend payments during internships, a large number of FMGs continue to work without financial compensation, raising serious questions about compliance and administrative accountability.

What Is the Issue?
The Supreme Court recently directed states and concerned institutions to ensure that FMGs receive the stipend prescribed during their internship period.
However:
In several states, stipend payments remain pending.
Many interns are reportedly undergoing training without receiving any financial support.
While some states claim procedural steps have begun, ground-level implementation remains inconsistent.

Questions Raised Over NMC’s Role
The National Medical Commission (NMC) had earlier issued guidelines stating:
No discrimination should be made during internship training.
FMGs must receive stipends equal to Indian Medical Graduates.
Despite these directions, reports suggest that certain hospitals and state health departments have either delayed payments or slowed down administrative processes, leaving students in distress.

Interns Under Financial Strain
Internship duration typically ranges from 1 to 2 years.
Without stipends, managing accommodation, food, and daily expenses has become a major challenge.
Several FMGs allege that they are performing full clinical duties but are not being compensated accordingly.

Court Signals Possible Contempt Action
The Supreme Court has previously made it clear that:
“Discrimination against any trainee doctor is unacceptable.”
The Court has now sought compliance reports from states and indicated that strict action, including contempt proceedings, may follow if its orders are not implemented.

Larger Implications
Failure to honor stipend payments not only undermines the rights of FMGs but also raises broader concerns about:
Respect for judicial authority
Administrative accountability
Fairness within India’s medical education system


All eyes are now on state governments and the Union Health Ministry to ensure immediate compliance and restore confidence among aspiring medical professionals.

The coming weeks will determine whether the directives of the nation’s highest court translate into meaningful relief for affected interns.