Around 600 postgraduate doctors and interns at Dehradun's Doon Hospital have launched a massive protest demanding a significant hike in stipends to combat grueling 12-hour shifts and systemic stress.
- 600 PG doctors and MBBS interns protesting for fair monthly stipends.
- Interns demand an increase from ₹17,000 to ₹30,000; PG doctors demand ₹70,000 to ₹1 lakh.
- Protests highlight the strain of 12+ hour shifts and doctor shortages in Uttarakhand.
In a significant escalation of unrest within the medical community, approximately 600 postgraduate (PG) doctors and MBBS interns at Doon Hospital in Dehradun have staged a large-scale protest. The agitation centers on the demand for a fair revision of their monthly stipends, which the doctors claim are insufficient given the intensity of their professional responsibilities.
The protesting medical professionals have flagged the unsustainable nature of their working conditions. Many report working shifts that consistently exceed twelve hours, often under high-stress environments with inadequate support. The interns are seeking a nearly 76% increase in their pay, from ₹17,000 to ₹30,000, while PG doctors are pushing for a revision from ₹70,000 to ₹1 lakh per month.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this unrest is a symptom of a wider crisis in the healthcare administration of hill states. By comparing their pay with states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, these doctors are highlighting a regional disparity that could lead to a massive 'brain drain' of skilled medical talent from Uttarakhand to more lucrative states.
"When the frontline of the healthcare system—the interns and residents—are pushed to the brink of exhaustion for meager pay, the entire patient safety framework is compromised."
Historically, Uttarakhand has struggled with a shortage of medical professionals in its remote terrains. The current agitation at the state's premier hospital suggests that the problem is not just a lack of personnel, but a failure to retain and motivate the existing workforce. The doctors argue that their compensation should reflect the actual hours worked and the critical nature of their duties.
| Category | Current Stipend (INR) | Demanded Stipend (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS Interns | 17,000 | 30,000 |
| PG Doctors | 70,000 | 1,00,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the primary demands of the Doon Hospital doctors?
The doctors are demanding a substantial increase in their monthly stipends and a reduction in the grueling 12-hour-plus shifts.
2. Why are they comparing their pay to other states?
States like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh offer higher stipends for similar roles, creating a sense of inequality and unfairness among Uttarakhand's doctors.
