Medical interns tow 'Anna's line'

After repeated pleas for a raise in their stipend fell on deaf ears, a body of medical interns are set to begin an indefinite hunger strike from today

Taking a cue from Anna Hazare's hunger strike to push for changes in the Lokpal Bill, interns from 18 medical colleges across Maharashtra will begin an indefinite hunger strike, starting today. The strike has been called by the Association of State Medical Interns (ASMI), who have for long been demanding a hike in their stipend amount.

At present, medical interns across the state are paid Rs 2,550, which they want to be raised to Rs 13,000. ASMI has sought information through an RTI application, to obtain the amount paid to interns in other states. "We have learnt that even in the underdeveloped state of Bihar, the amount is Rs 7,000. After studying for four-and-a-half years, we are rewarded with Rs 85 a day," said ASMI spokesperson, Dr Ankush Nawale.

The interns had earlier organised demonstrations to protest the stipend amount. Perturbed by the lack-lustre response from authorities, they decided to go on a hunger strike.  "This is the only way we can make the state authorities sit up and take note of our predicament. We have taken inspiration from the campaign led by Hazare," said Dr Mayur Ambekar of Sion Hospital, coordinator of ASMI.

He added that the students would begin their fast opposite KEM Hospital. 500 doctors from outside the city and 750 interns from Mumbai are expected to participate. "According to MCI, the intern's stipend should be 40 per cent of the salary of the houseman (postgraduate student). The houseman gets around Rs 26,000. Accordingly, we should get at least Rs 13,000," said Ambekar.

Demands
The stipend amount should be raised from Rs 2,550 to Rs 13,500. Every year the stipend should be increased by Rs 1,000.