Srinagar: MBBS and BDS interns on Monday held peaceful demonstrations at various government medical institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, including Government Medical Colleges and SKIMS Bemina, seeking revision of their internship stipend.
The interns gathered at their respective institutions and raised slogans in support of their demand, urging the administration to review the stipend being paid to them during the compulsory internship period.
The protesters said interns work for long hours and shoulder significant clinical responsibilities as part of their training, but the existing stipend does not adequately reflect their workload and contribution to healthcare services.
They appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir government to take up the issue on priority and initiate necessary measures for increasing the stipend.
The interns also sought the intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo, urging them to consider their demand and provide a favourable decision.
The demonstrations remained peaceful, with the interns maintaining that they would continue to raise the issue through democratic and peaceful means until their demand is addressed.
The protesting interns said a revision of the stipend would provide financial relief to medical and dental graduates while also recognising the responsibilities they undertake during their internship.(KNS).
