Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) completing their mandatory internship at ESIC Medical College, Patna, staged a protest on Monday (Nov17) after going without their stipend for the past five months. The agitating interns briefly shut down Outpatient Department (OPD) services, though emergency care remained fully functional. Nearly 70–80 interns joined the demonstration inside the hospital premises, demanding immediate release of their dues.
Despite directives from the High Court, Supreme Court, and the National Medical Commission (NMC), FMG interns at ESIC Patna continue to face severe delays in stipend disbursement. Last year, when a similar issue surfaced, the High Court had ordered ESIC to pay the interns, leading to the issuance of a legal notice and eventual partial payments. However, the problem has resurfaced once again.
As per ESIC norms, FMG interns are entitled to a monthly stipend of ₹30,070. However, after legal intervention last year, the administration released only ₹20,000 an amount aligned with state government norms but lower than the ESIC-prescribed figure.
Taking to social media platform X, the All FMGs Association (AFA) condemned the prolonged delay, stating that the non-payment violates established court orders. The association has demanded immediate action from ESIC Patna and warned of further legal steps if the stipends are not released within seven days.
Dr. Kaushal from AFA said, “ESIC earlier claimed it operates under a different headquarters and is not governed by state guidelines. Even after reminders, the FMGs have received no payment for the last five months. The interns were compelled to temporarily halt OPD services today to draw attention to the issue. We urge the authorities to provide the full stipend of ₹30,070 as per ESIC rules.”
The interns said they would continue their agitation if the administration fails to address their grievances promptly.
