The Supreme Court has directed the National Medical Commission (NMC) to respond to a complaint that 70% of medical colleges must pay the minimum stipend to MBBS interns. This directive came during a hearing of a petition filed by medical interns seeking stipend payments from the Army College of Medical Sciences (ACMS). The ACMS argued that it operates on a non-profit basis to serve the children of armed personnel and faces financial constraints.
However, the Court emphasized that economic conditions cannot justify denying stipends to students and passed an interim order against the college to pay at least Rs 25,000 per month as a stipend to its medical interns. Additionally, the Court acknowledged that 70% of colleges are not paying stipends and directed the NMC to respond to this claim and file an affidavit.
