Telangana FMG interns intensify protest over Rs 29,792 stipend and pending arrears

Foreign Medical Graduate interns intensified protests outside the DME office in Koti on Wednesday, demanding a monthly stipend of Rs 29,792, pending arrears and protection from punitive measures. DME Dr N. Vani said the matter required further examination and consultation

Hyderabad: Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) interns posted at various government hospitals in Telangana intensified their protest on Wednesday, staging a demonstration outside the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) office in Koti to demand parity in stipends and the release of pending arrears.

The interns have been protesting and boycotting routine duties since October 8. Their demands include the issuance of orders implementing a monthly stipend of Rs 29,792, on a par with the stipends paid to doctors who completed their medical education in India.

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The FMG interns are also seeking the immediate release of stipend arrears pending since January. They have sought assurances that no participating intern will face unfair extensions of the internship, additional duties or punitive attendance measures for taking part in peaceful protests.

Before Wednesday’s demonstration, the interns had submitted memorandums to senior health authorities on September 23 and October 9. “After receiving no official response, we began boycotting our routine outpatient and ward duties. Today, we staged a protest at the DME office,” they said.

The interns met Telangana DME Dr N. Vani and outlined the serious financial and operational difficulties they face. While acknowledging their concerns, the DME said more time was needed to examine the matter and consult the concerned ministry.