For every BHMS graduate, the one-year compulsory rotatory internship is a crucial transition phase from student life to professional practice. Along with clinical exposure and hands-on training, one major concern among interns is stipend.
Let’s clearly understand the reality, rules, and expectations regarding stipend during Homoeopathy internship.
Why Is Stipend Important During Internship?
During internship, you are no longer just a student — you function as an intern doctor. You:
- Attend OPDs
- Assist in IPD management
- Maintain case records
- Conduct follow-ups
- Perform clinical duties for 6–8 hours daily
- Participate in community health programs
Since interns contribute actively to patient care, receiving a stipend is considered justified and fair.
What Do the Guidelines Say?
As per regulatory norms and recommendations under the National Commission for Homoeopathy and previous guidelines of the Central Council of Homoeopathy, interns in:
- Central Government institutions
- State Government institutions
- Union Territory institutions
- Private Homoeopathy medical colleges
Should receive a stipend comparable to that provided to interns of other medical systems under the respective government.
The principle is simple:
There should be no discrimination in stipend between different medical systems.
How Much Stipend Is Paid?
The stipend amount varies depending on:
- State government policies
- Type of institution (Government or Private)
- Budget allocations
- Institutional management decisions
In many government colleges and hospitals, interns receive a fixed monthly stipend as per state norms.
However, in private homoeopathic colleges, the situation can differ significantly. Some institutions provide stipend regularly, while others may delay or avoid payment citing administrative reasons.
Ground Reality in Private Colleges
Officially, stipend payment is recommended. Practically, implementation varies.
Many interns report:
- Delayed payments
- Partial payments
- No stipend at all
This inconsistency creates financial stress for interns who are already investing time and energy into clinical training.
Why Equal Stipend Matters
Homoeopathy interns:
- Work the same duration (12 months)
- Maintain mandatory case records
- Submit dissertation/project work
- Complete minimum attendance requirements (80%)
- Perform assigned clinical duties
Therefore, parity in stipend ensures professional respect and equity across medical systems.
Can Interns Raise the Issue?
Yes. Interns can:
- Approach college administration
- Represent concerns collectively
- Refer to official regulatory notifications
- Seek clarification from the concerned State Council
However, actions must always remain professional and respectful.
What Should Students Keep in Mind?
- Clarify stipend policy before taking admission (especially in private colleges).
- Keep written documentation of institutional commitments.
- Focus on skill development — internship is a once-in-a-lifetime learning phase.
- Plan financially in advance in case stipend is delayed.
The BHMS internship is the foundation of your clinical career. While stipend is important for financial support and professional dignity, the primary goal of internship remains clinical competence and independent practice readiness.
At the policy level, equal stipend across medical systems is encouraged. At the practical level, awareness and transparency are key.
If you are currently doing your internship, share your experience regarding stipend in your institution — it helps future students make informed decisions.