Intern doctors across Jammu and Kashmir have escalated their ongoing protest, demanding a significant increase in their monthly stipends. The indefinite strike, which began on August 31, has entered its seventh day, with medical interns from various government medical colleges continuing to withdraw from their duties. Their primary demand is to raise the stipend from the current Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000 per month, a figure they argue is commensurate with their workload and the rising cost of living.
The protracted nature of the strike has led to the interns initiating a 48-hour hunger strike, signaling their resolve to secure official confirmation of their demands. Protesting interns have expressed frustration with repeated assurances from the government, emphasizing the need for a concrete, written order rather than verbal promises. Reports indicate that a stipend enhancement committee had been formed in 2023, but the implementation of its recommendations has been conspicuously absent, contributing to the current impasse.
Chief Minister’s Intervention and Government Response
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has engaged with representatives of the protesting interns, holding meetings to discuss their grievances. While the government, through Health Minister Sakina Itoo, has acknowledged the legitimacy of the interns’ demands and stated that the matter is under process, a formal resolution remains elusive. The Health Minister has appealed to the interns to call off their strike, citing the impact on patient care, but the interns have remained steadfast, seeking a definitive decision.
The situation has also drawn attention from political figures, including Lok Sabha MP Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, who has questioned the administration’s approach and alleged instances of coercion against the protesting interns by college principals. Mehdi has called for clarity on the government’s stance, particularly regarding assurances that interns would not face action for their participation in the protest.
Background of the Stipend Dispute
The current stipend of Rs 12,300 per month has remained unchanged for over seven years, a point frequently raised by the protesting interns. They highlight that this amount is considerably lower than the stipends offered to medical interns in many other states and Union Territories, with some states reportedly increasing their interns’ stipends to Rs 30,000. The interns argue that their demanding work, which includes long shifts and covering routine hospital duties, necessitates a revision in their remuneration to reflect their contributions and the prevailing economic conditions.
The medical interns have been pursuing their demands through peaceful means, but the prolonged delay in reaching a resolution has prompted them to intensify their agitation. Their stance is clear: the strike will continue until a formal government order is issued, ensuring the implementation of the enhanced stipend. The ongoing situation underscores the critical need for timely and effective resolution of grievances concerning healthcare professionals, particularly those at the foundational stages of their careers.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
