Subject: Request for urgent intervention regarding the proposal to increase the stipend for B.Sc. Nursing graduates undergoing Compulsory Nursing Service (CNS) in Government Medical Colleges.

 

Respected Sir,

 

I am writing this letter to draw your kind attention to a matter of great concern regarding the proposal to increase the stipend of B.Sc. Nursing graduates appointed for Compulsory Nursing Service (CNS) in government medical colleges.

 

Currently, nursing interns receive only ₹550 as daily wages. However, the nature of their work and responsibilities is almost equivalent to that of regular nursing officers. In contrast, even the lowest-paid workers in other sectors earn a minimum of ₹750 per day.

 

Under the Hospital Development Society (HDS), contract staff nurses receive a daily wage of over ₹800, while staff nurses appointed through PSC receive at least ₹1300 per day.

 

Despite the severe shortage of nursing staff in Kerala’s medical colleges, we have been wholeheartedly serving the public health sector of Kerala by taking on additional responsibilities. Yet, the stipend provided to nursing interns remains disproportionately low. While Kerala's health sector is widely recognized as one of the best in the world and is progressing in every aspect, the stipend of nursing interns is still lagging far behind.

 

We have worked hard to gain admission into government medical colleges, continued our clinical postings even during public health crises such as COVID-19 and Nipah, and contributed significantly to both the institutions and the general public. After successfully completing our degree from Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) and registering with the Kerala Nurses and Midwives Council, we are currently undergoing the mandatory one-year nursing internship as staff nurses in various government medical colleges. Nursing interns play a crucial role in strengthening the state’s healthcare system.

 

Due to the compulsory nursing service bond, we are unable to accept attractive job opportunities in the private sector or abroad. At the same time, students graduating from private nursing colleges are being offered a minimum salary of ₹25,000 per month in Kerala’s private healthcare sector, whereas professionally trained nurses graduating from government institutions continue to suffer this injustice.

 

There are only around 450 nursing interns across the seven government medical colleges in Kerala. Considering the seriousness and responsibility of our work, it is only fair that our stipend is at least equivalent to the daily wage of staff nurses under the HDS, i.e., ₹800. This will also enable us to support our families financially. As the cost of living continues to rise, increasing the stipend of nursing interns — who are making vital contributions to Kerala’s public health sector — is absolutely essential.

 

It has come to our attention that the Directorate of Medical Education (DME Kerala) has already submitted a favorable report recommending an increase in the nursing intern stipend (Ref. No.: A3/4699/2024/ME.VI.V; based on the report CA/9/JDNE/2024 dated 26-11-2024, a copy of which is enclosed) to the Health and Family Welfare Department. However, the matter is still pending consideration in the Secretariat under the Finance Department (File No.: C3135/2025 – HEALTH B2 FIN), causing unnecessary delays in action.

 

Therefore, we humbly request your timely intervention to expedite the Finance Department’s proceedings on this matter. We respectfully urge you to bring your direct attention in this matter to ensure swift implementation of the revised stipend.

 

The nursing intern community would deeply value and appreciate your support in ensuring that the revised stipend is implemented promptly. We firmly believe that this step will contribute meaningfully to the improvement of the public health system in our state and will greatly benefit the nursing profession and the overall healthcare sector.

 

Thank you sincerely for your time and support. We look forward to your positive and timely action on this important matter.