Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, has given his approval to raise the stipend for nursing, pharmacy and allied medical students. This decision recognizes the services these students provide and comes in response to their request for a stipend increase. The revised stipend amounts for categories are as follows;
For pharmacy students: ₹500
For ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) students: ₹2,000
For B.SC (Nursing) students during the internship, ₹5,000
For Clinical Psychology M.Phil students: ₹10,000
For Mental Health Social Work M.Phil students: ₹10,000
Prior to this adjustment, the monthly stipends were at ₹250 for D.Pharma students, ₹1,000 for ANM students, ₹2,500 for B.SC (Nursing) interns and ₹7,000 for M.Phil in Clinical Psychology.
Chief Minister Patnaik expressed his hope that this increase would motivate the students to provide service to the people. He is optimistic that this step will contribute towards strengthening healthcare services in Odisha. During a visit to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, the students appealed for an increment in their stipends, and Chief Minister Patnaik acknowledged their request. Approved.
The Health and Family Welfare Department of the Odisha Government offers a range of degree and diploma programs, including a B.Sc in Nursing Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery (ANM), a Diploma in Pharmacy, an M.Phil in Clinical Psychology and an M.Phil in Mental Health Social Work. Students enrolled in these programs receive stipends from the government throughout their education. Additionally, during their studies, they provide services at healthcare institutions.
This move is expected to not only benefit the students by recognizing their efforts and commitment but also enhance healthcare services in the state. The increase in stipends is a positive step toward acknowledging the vital role played by nursing, pharmacy, and allied medical students in delivering essential healthcare services, aligning with the state’s commitment to bolstering the healthcare infrastructure and supporting its healthcare workforce.