J&K Medical Interns Hold Firm On Stipend Demand As Talks Fail

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- The deadlock over the stipend of MBBS and BDS interns in Jammu and Kashmir continued on Friday after a meeting between representatives of the protesting interns and Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo failed to yield an agreement, with the interns deciding to continue their indefinite strike.

The interns had sought a clear and written commitment from the Government on enhancement of their monthly stipend. However, according to Dr Zamin Javiad, an intern from GMC Anantnag who was part of the delegation, the Minister did not provide the written assurance sought by the interns.

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Speaking after the meeting, Dr Javiad said the Minister told the delegation that the issue would be resolved within a month and assured them that the Government was working towards a possible solution.

The interns, however, insisted that the assurance be provided in writing.

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“We wanted a written assurance, but the Minister declined,” Dr Javiad said, adding that the Minister maintained that discussions remained open and that the interns could approach her at any time.

The meeting consequently ended without an agreement that could persuade the interns to withdraw their agitation.

The interns have been demanding that their monthly stipend be increased from the existing ₹12,300 to ₹30,000. They began their indefinite strike on August 31, arguing that the stipend has remained unchanged for years despite inflation, long working hours, emergency duties and the responsibilities assigned to them in government hospitals.

The Government has previously acknowledged the demand. Health Minister Sakina Itoo had described the demand as justified and said the proposal was under consideration in the Finance Department. She had also urged the interns to call off the strike, citing its impact on patient care.

The interns, however, maintain that assurances that the matter is“under process” are no longer sufficient, particularly as the issue has remained pending despite earlier recommendations and repeated representations.

Dr Javiad said the interns would not end their agitation merely on the basis of another verbal assurance.

“We will continue our strike till the resolution of our issue,” he said.

The continuation of the strike is expected to keep putting additional pressure on clinical services at medical institutions where interns have withdrawn from routine duties.

Reports from GMC Srinagar have already indicated an increased workload for postgraduate doctors following the interns' absence from wards, emergency departments and other clinical areas.

The interns maintain that they are not seeking an indefinite confrontation with the Government, but a formal decision that provides certainty regarding the revised stipend.

For now, however, the meeting has failed to break the impasse, with the interns making it clear that they will continue their strike until their demand is formally resolved.

Don't Politicise Interns' Stipend Demand: Itoo

Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Friday termed the demand of MBBS and BDS interns for enhancement of their stipend as genuine but urged against giving the issue a political colour.

Speaking to reporters in Bijbehara, Itoo said she was herself a doctor and understood the difficulties faced by medical interns during their training.

“I have been a doctor myself, and I understand the difficulties interns face. They are playing an important role in hospitals, and their concerns are genuine,” she said.

The Minister said the matter was already under consideration and the concerned file was presently with the Finance Department.

She assured that the Government would make every possible effort to address the issue and take steps for the welfare of interns at the earliest.

However, Itoo expressed displeasure over attempts to politicise the ongoing protest, saying that the genuine concerns of interns should not become a platform for political point-scoring.

“The issue of interns is very genuine, but it should not be politicised,” she said.

She also questioned those attempting to raise the issue politically, asking them to recall what steps they had taken for the welfare of interns when they were in government.

Read Also MBBS, BDS Interns' Strike Enters Fifth Day as Political Support Widens Why Does Kashmir Pay Its Interns So Little?

The remarks come amid an ongoing protest by MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir over their demand for enhancement of the monthly stipend.

Itoo reiterated that the Government was seized of the matter and that efforts were underway to resolve the issue through the appropriate administrative process.

During her visit to Bijbehara, the Minister also appreciated Padma Shri awardee Javed Tak for his social work and contribution towards education and the welfare of children.

She assured him of every possible support from the Social Welfare and School Education departments for the functioning and development of the Zaiba Aapa Institute of Inclusive Education at Bijbehara.

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