Srinagar, Aug 31 (KNO): MBBS interns across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday launched a coordinated protest demanding enhancement of their monthly stipend from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000, asserting that they would not withdraw the agitation until a formal government order is issued.
Protests were held at several government medical institutions, including GMC Srinagar, GMC Baramulla, GMC Handwara, GMC Anantnag and SKIMS Bemina in Kashmir, besides GMC Jammu, GMC Udhampur, GMC Rajouri and GMC Doda.
The protesting interns, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said they have been compelled to take the protest route after their demand for a revision of the stipend remained unresolved despite repeated assurances.
"We have been hearing the same assurances for the last two years that we heard today from the concerned minister. The issue is always said to be under process, but there has been no concrete decision. This time, we will not call off the protest merely on verbal assurances," an intern said.
Another intern said the existing stipend was disproportionate to the responsibilities being shouldered by MBBS interns in government hospitals. "We work in emergency departments, wards, ICUs and operation theatres and remain involved in patient care for long hours. Rs 12,300 a month is not adequate considering the workload, responsibilities and rising cost of living," the intern said.
The interns said they would refrain from routine duties as part of the agitation, while stressing that their demand had been raised after exhausting other avenues.
Meanwhile, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo said the government had taken cognisance of the interns' demand and that the proposal for increasing the monthly stipend from around Rs 12,000 to Rs 30,000 was under process with the Finance Department.
"Their demand is genuine. We are not saying that it is wrong because there is a lot of inflation these days. There is a need to increase the stipend, and we also acknowledge it. The Hon'ble Chief Minister has also said so," she said.
The minister, however, said that since the matter was already under consideration, resorting to a strike was not appropriate as it could affect patient care.
The interns, however, said they wanted a time-bound and formal resolution rather than another assurance. "We respect the minister and appreciate that she has acknowledged our demand, but we have heard such statements before. What we need now is a government order. Once the order is issued, there will be no reason for us to continue the protest," an intern said.
Amid the protest, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene urgently and ensure an early resolution of the interns' demand.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Karra described the demand for enhancement of stipend as genuine and deserving of immediate consideration. He highlighted that interns routinely work long and demanding hours, including extended shifts, while attending to patients and assisting in hospital services.
The J&K Congress Chief further said that the stipend being paid to medical interns in J&K is considerably lower than that offered in several other parts of the country.
"I would therefore urge your good self to kindly direct the concerned authorities to engage with the protesting interns, listen to their grievances and work towards an early and satisfactory resolution of the issue," Karra said.
The interns said they would continue their agitation until a formal decision is communicated by the government. "We have performed our duties throughout the internship despite long hours and heavy workload. We only want a fair and dignified stipend. Until there is a written order, the protest will continue," an intern said—(KNO)