Paramedical students protest at Dr. NTRUHS, demand ₹15,000 monthly stipend

Paramedical students staged a demonstration at Dr. NTR Health University of Health Sciences (Dr. NTRUHS) on Thursday, demanding the immediate resolution of their long-pending issues, including the payment of stipends.

Student Federation of India (SFI) State president P. Ramamohan and State secretary K. Prasanna Kumar, who participated in the protest, said it was unfair that paramedical students, who play an important role in the healthcare sector, receive no stipend for their work.

The SFI leaders alleged that the government had neglected the welfare of these students and demanded a minimum monthly stipend of ₹15,000 for services rendered in hospitals as part of internships and clinical training.

They also raised concerns over delays in completing paramedical courses. Students who enrolled in 2021 are reportedly still awaiting completion, with four-year courses extending beyond six years.

According to the leaders, delays in examinations and the release of results are affecting students' prospects in higher education, employment and competitive examinations.

The SFI urged the government to ensure timely completion of courses and to conduct examinations and release results without delay, alongside providing stipends.

The students later submitted a memorandum to Dr. NTRUHS Vice-Chancellor P. Chandrasekhar, who assured them that exam-related issues would be addressed and that the other concerns would be brought to the notice of the government.