Gujarat announces ₹21,840 monthly stipend for foreign medical graduates, check details

"The sensitive decision taken under the guidance of Chief Minister Patel and Health Minister Pansheriya will provide encouragement and financial support to meritorious medical students from the state who have returned after completing their studies abroad," the state government said.

The decision comes after concerns over stipend payments to foreign medical graduates undertaking compulsory internships in Gujarat.

Under Clause 3 of Schedule IV of the National Medical Commission (Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship) Regulations, 2021, interns are entitled to a stipend fixed by the appropriate authority applicable to the institution, university or state.

The regulations state, "3. Stipend a) All interns shall be paid stipend as fixed by the appropriate authority applicable to the institution/ University or State. (b) Stipend may not be paid during any period of extension except in the case of maternity or paternity leave or medical leave, as may be recommended and approved by the Medical Board. Total stipend paid for the entire internship may be for fifty-two weeks (Twelve months) only."

The issue of stipend payments to FMGs in Gujarat had also reached the Supreme Court, with concerns raised over the non-payment of stipends during their mandatory internships.

The Supreme Court has recently considered the broader issue of stipend payments to foreign medical graduates undertaking internships in several states, including Gujarat.

The court sought the NMC's response on delays in stipend payments to FMGs in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat and Jharkhand.

The Supreme Court observed that there cannot be any disparity between Indian and foreign medical graduates in the payment of stipends.

The court indicated that it would issue comprehensive directions to ensure that undergraduate medical students completing internships, whether they studied medicine in India or abroad, receive stipends.

The bench also indicated that it would examine whether state governments should appoint retired judges to address disputes related to non-payment of stipends to medical interns.