Raigarh, Chhattisgarh: Doctors and medical trainees at Raigarh Medical College have announced a phased protest over demands related to stipend revisions, salary increases and improvements in working conditions.
The protest involves MBBS interns, postgraduate residents, senior residents and bonded junior resident doctors, who have submitted a 17-point list of demands to the state authorities.
OPD Boycott From September 21
According to reports, the protesting doctors have announced an OPD boycott from September 21, 2026, if their demands are not addressed. They have further warned that emergency services could be stopped from September 23 as part of the escalation.
The proposed action follows earlier discussions with state authorities regarding stipend and salary-related concerns.
Demand for Higher MBBS Internship Stipend
One of the key demands concerns the monthly stipend paid to MBBS interns. Doctors have sought an increase in the stipend, with reports indicating that they were expecting it to be revised to ₹25,000 per month.
The college's 2025–26 stipend disclosure lists the MBBS intern stipend at ₹15,900 per month. The doctors are also seeking revisions in stipends and salaries for PG residents, bonded junior residents and super-speciality trainees.
17-Point Charter of Demands
Apart from financial revisions, the doctors' demands reportedly cover issues related to medical facilities, working conditions and resources. They have argued that improvements are important both for doctors working in government institutions and for maintaining quality patient care.
The doctors had previously raised their concerns with the state government. A meeting with Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal on August 19 was followed by a temporary suspension of the earlier agitation.
Protest Could Affect Patient Services
If the proposed action goes ahead, the OPD boycott from September 21 could affect routine outpatient services at the medical college. The warning regarding emergency services from September 23 represents a further escalation if the demands remain unresolved.
For now, the announced dates represent proposed protest measures, and the situation may change depending on discussions between the doctors and the state authorities.
The developments at Raigarh Medical College highlight ongoing concerns among medical trainees and junior doctors in Chhattisgarh regarding stipends, salaries, working conditions and healthcare infrastructure.
