Goa Government Increases Stipends for Medical Resident Doctors
Commitment to Hike Salaries
Panaji: The Goa government has fulfilled its promise made nearly three months ago by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD). The remuneration for doctors working on contract at Goa Medical College (GMC) and Hospital will increase, effective January 1, 2026.
Details of the Revised Pay Structure
In addition to the revised pay, the government has introduced a 5 percent annual increment for these doctors, with assurances that this will continue in the coming years. The pay hike also extends to doctors affiliated with the GARD at GMC.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane announced the new stipend rates: first-year postgraduate (PG) resident doctors will receive Rs 80,000 monthly, up from Rs 60,000; second-year residents will now earn Rs 85,000 instead of Rs 62,500; and third-year residents will see their stipends increase to Rs 90,000 from Rs 65,000. Additionally, tutors’ monthly remuneration has risen from Rs 85,000 to Rs 95,000, while lecturers’ pay has been increased from Rs 95,000 to Rs 1.2 lakh.
Background of the Salary Revision
This development follows a meeting between GARD and Chief Minister Sawant in October 2025, where the long-awaited stipend revision for postgraduate resident doctors at GMC was discussed. GARD pointed out that the stipend structure had not changed since 2015, despite rising inflation and increased workloads. Many resident doctors are the primary earners for their families, making the revision both necessary and urgent.
During the discussions, GARD highlighted that other states offer stipends approaching Rs 1 lakh, while Goa has experienced bureaucratic delays in addressing these issues. In response, Dr. Sawant recognized the importance of the matter and assured GARD that the stipends would be increased.
Government’s Commitment to Healthcare Professionals
Following the announcement, Health Minister Rane remarked, “This step reflects the government’s commitment to recognizing the tireless service, dedication, and sacrifice of doctors who are the backbone of Goa’s healthcare system and remain at the forefront of patient care every single day.”
Reactions from the Resident Doctor Community
GARD president Dr. Lakshya Kumar Jha expressed appreciation for the government’s decision in an interview with TOI, stating, “The hike represents a long-standing demand of the resident doctor community. It marks one of the most significant stipend revisions ever implemented in our institute.” He emphasized that the collective efforts of all stakeholders led to this resolution through constructive dialogue.
Dr. Jha reaffirmed GARD’s commitment to working collaboratively with the government and administration to advance the interests of resident doctors and enhance Goa’s healthcare system.