Punjab Medical Protest Ends After Stipend Hike and Bond Review Assurance

 Punjab Government Increases Medical Intern Stipend After Statewide Protest

Auther:  Sanu Diashi 

Protest Ends After Meeting With Ministers

The ongoing protest by MBBS interns and resident doctors in Punjab has come to an end after a meeting with top state ministers resulted in key decisions in favor of the medical community. The decision to withdraw the strike followed a detailed two-hour discussion held in Chandigarh between representatives of the doctors’ forum and ministers Harpal Singh Cheema (Finance) and Dr. Balbir Singh (Health & Family Welfare).

One of the most important outcomes was the increase in the monthly stipend for medical interns—from ₹15,000 to ₹22,000. This announcement was officially confirmed by the health minister through a post on social media platform X, where he stated that the move would help ensure continuous and effective delivery of healthcare services across Punjab.

Senior officials including Alok Shekhar (Finance) and Kumar Rahul (Health) also attended the meeting, which focused on addressing student concerns. In addition to the stipend revision, the government agreed to form a committee to re-evaluate the controversial ₹20 lakh service bond imposed on MBBS and BDS students studying in government colleges. This bond requires graduates to serve in Punjab's healthcare system post-degree.

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Medical Students Raised Concerns Over Affordability

Many medical students had expressed strong opposition to the bond and recent fee hikes, arguing that they make medical education unaffordable for a large section of aspiring doctors. On Sunday, protestors had warned of a complete OPD shutdown starting Monday, raising alarms about the impact on rural hospitals and already under-resourced areas.

The government previously defended the policy as a solution to the state's doctor shortage. However, the students insisted that such decisions only add to the financial pressure on young professionals trying to enter public healthcare.