Revise Rs 40-lakh bond policy, raise PG medical stipends, demand IGMC Shimla resident doctors

The Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla has urged the Himachal Pradesh government to reduce the financial penalty of Rs 40 lakh service bond and revise the compulsory three-year service bond policy, citing concerns over the state’s ability to attract and retain meritorious MBBS students, ANI reported.

The resident doctors have also requested the state government to increase postgraduate (PG) medical stipend and raised concerns over the non-payment of stipends to resident doctors working under the state’s “No Stipend, No Bond” policy, the report read.

Birsukhman Singh, president of RDA and other office-bearers, stated in the report that the existing service bond requirement of Rs 40 lakh could discourage high-ranking MBBS students in the NEET PG counselling process from choosing medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh.

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“The situation could adversely affect the state's postgraduate medical education system, potentially leaving seats vacant or resulting in seats being filled during subsequent counselling rounds by candidates with lower ranks,” the report added.

Raising concerns over the non-payment of stipends to resident doctors at IGMC, Shimla , the association said that doctors working in wards, emergency departments and intensive care units were required to shoulder “round-the-clock” responsibilities and should not be expected to perform such duties for extended periods without financial remuneration.

The doctors group has also demanded that postgraduate stipends be increased in line with national benchmarks to ensure fair compensation for resident doctors and make Himachal Pradesh a more attractive destination for medical aspirants, the report read.

The RDA has submitted their demand to the principal of IGMC Shimla, the health secretary, the health minister and the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, seeking their intervention in the matter, the report said.

It has also requested the government to introduce the necessary policy reforms before the upcoming NEET-PG 2026 counselling process and hold consultations with resident doctors' associations before finalising policies affecting medical education and healthcare services, it added.