Srinagar, Aug 28 (KNO): MBBS interns across Jammu and Kashmir have announced a united protest from August 31, demanding an immediate revision of their monthly internship stipend from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000
According to the interns, those participating in the protest will refrain from joining their duties from August 31 until their demand is addressed by the authorities.
The interns, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the proposed protest is not confined to any particular medical college but represents a collective demand of MBBS interns across Jammu and Kashmir. They have appealed to their colleagues to remain united and participate in the agitation peacefully.
The interns maintain that their present stipend does not adequately reflect the nature of their work, clinical responsibilities and the increasing cost of living. "During the compulsory internship, we are routinely posted in emergency departments, wards, operation theatres and other hospital services, where we assist senior doctors and remain involved in patient-care activities," they said.
They argue that despite being an important component of the public healthcare system, their remuneration has remained unchanged at a level they consider inadequate.
Health activist Dr Mohammad Momin Khan questioned the delay in revising the internship stipend in Jammu and Kashmir, saying that young doctors should receive fair compensation for the responsibilities they shoulder during their internship.
"If Uttar Pradesh can enhance the internship stipend to Rs 30,000, why is Jammu and Kashmir still delaying a fair revision for its medical interns? Our interns deserve dignity, recognition and fair compensation for their contribution to the healthcare system," Dr Khan said.
The demand has received support from resident doctors at several government medical colleges.
The Resident Doctors Association (RDA), GMC Doda, expressed concern over what it termed the persistent delay by the J&K Government in revising the stipend. The association said medical interns perform demanding duties and the existing remuneration has become inadequate in view of present economic conditions.
RDA GMC Doda urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Health Minister to intervene and direct the authorities to revise the stipend without further delay.
Similarly, the Resident Doctors Association of GMC Rajouri extended its support, describing MBBS interns as an integral part of healthcare delivery. "Fair remuneration is not a privilege but a right," the association said.
The residents at GMC Srinagar also extended their "full and unwavering support" to MBBS interns and their proposed strike. They said interns currently receive Rs 12,300 and are demanding Rs 30,000, noting that interns work in emergency departments, operation theatres and ICUs, often putting in long hours while shouldering significant clinical responsibilities.
"Interns deserve dignity, justice and recognition," the GMC Srinagar residents said, reiterating their solidarity with the intern doctors.
The interns have reiterated that they are seeking a timely decision from the government and a stipend that would fairly acknowledge their contribution during the compulsory internship period—(KNO)