Medical interns in Bhopal intensified their protest demanding a hike in monthly stipend from ₹14,337 to ₹30,000. The demonstration escalated when police used water cannons to disperse the protesting doctors. The incident triggered widespread attention, with authorities ordering an inquiry into the police action.
A protest by medical interns in Bhopal turned tense after police used water cannons to disperse doctors demanding a hike in their monthly stipend.The protesting interns, associated with Hamidia Hospital and Gandhi Medical College, have been demanding that their monthly stipend be increased from the existing ₹14,337 to ₹30,000. They have argued that the current amount does not adequately reflect their workload, responsibilities and the cost of living.
The situation escalated when the protesting doctors attempted to move towards the Chief Minister’s residence. Police barricades were put in place to stop the march, following which water cannons were used to disperse the protesters. Videos from the incident showed doctors in white coats being hit by powerful jets of water and falling onto the road.
The police action sparked further anger among the medical community. Protesters subsequently continued their agitation, demanding not only the stipend hike but also accountability over the police action and compensation for interns who were allegedly injured.
The protest also affected traffic in parts of Bhopal, with road blockades reported around the Kamla Park area. Healthcare services were also affected as medical interns and junior doctors continued their agitation.
The controversy has now reached the Madhya Pradesh government. Following the circulation of videos showing the water-cannon action, authorities ordered an inquiry into the incident. The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the police response and the treatment of the protesting doctors.
The key issue remains the interns’ demand for a ₹30,000 monthly stipend, along with their call for a written assurance from the government. Talks between representatives and authorities have been underway, but the dispute has continued to attract attention across the state.
