Resident Doctors in Private Colleges to Receive Equal Living Allowance

In a landmark decision, the Medical Education Commission has resolved to provide resident doctors in private medical colleges with a living allowance equal to their counterparts in government institutions.

The decision was made during the 16th meeting of the Commission, chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at Singha Durbar today, following extensive discussions and recommendations from relevant stakeholders.

With this move, resident doctors at private medical colleges will now receive a monthly allowance of Rs 48,700, up from the Rs 20,000 they currently receive. The previous disparity in stipends had led to widespread protests by postgraduate medical students.

Concerned that the unrest could disrupt the Commission’s examination process, the government intervened to address the grievances, ensuring financial parity between government and private medical trainees.

Additionally, the meeting discussed the contentious Rs 2.3 million fee imposed on students who refuse to sign a two-year study-and-work contract with their respective colleges. While Private Medical Colleges Association President Prof. Dr. Gyanendra Man Singh Karki urged the government to wait until finalizing procedural details, PM Oli and Co-Chairpersons Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel and Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Bidhya Bhattarai remained firm on their commitment to ensuring equal facilities and benefits for all resident doctors.

The Commission, which oversees medical education policies, entrance exams, tuition fees, and seat allocations, also discussed the need to amend the National Medical Education Act-2075 BS. Further deliberations will be held to finalize other outstanding issues.