Delay in stipend disbursal to resident doctors in Kerala unacceptable: IMA

Thiruvananthapuram: Indian Medical Association (IMA) strongly criticised the recurring delay in disbursal of stipend to resident doctors at govt medical colleges, describing the issue as highly concerning and unacceptable.In a statement, IMA pointed out that although directorate of medical education (DME) directed that stipends be distributed within the first five days of every month, resident doctors are often receiving payments only towards the end of the month or after the third week. Resident doctors reportedly highlighted repeated instances of serious delays in stipend disbursal.IMA noted that the issue was not limited to one medical college alone but is affecting resident doctors across several govt medical colleges in Kerala. According to IMA, delays extending over months are adversely impacting the financial security and morale of young doctors.It pointed out that delayed payments create severe difficulties for young doctors who must manage educational loans, hostel expenses, family responsibilities and daily living costs. Such recurring delays could negatively affect the confidence and future outlook of young professionals entering the healthcare sector, it warned. IMA stated that neglecting resident doctors, who form the backbone of the healthcare system, undermines the overall seriousness and efficiency of the public health sector. Resident doctors are engaged round the clock in emergency departments, ICUs, wards and operation theatres in medical colleges across the state, often working under immense pressure and mental stress.The association emphasised that timely payment of stipends was a basic administrative responsibility and not a privilege. "Stipend is not a benefit but the rightful remuneration for the services rendered by resident doctors," said IMA.