Sakina Itoo says MBBS interns’ stipend hike demand under process with Finance Dept

Srinagar: Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Monday said the Jammu and Kashmir government has taken cognisance of the demand by MBBS interns for an increase in their monthly stipend from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000, stating that the matter is currently under process with the Finance Department.

Speaking to reporters, Itoo said representatives of the protesting interns had met her and that, following the meeting, their file was processed and forwarded to the Finance Department for examination.

“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 there was no need for the interns to resort to a strike as their demand was already under consideration, adding that any disruption in duties could affect patient care.

“The matter is already under process. I do not think going on strike is appropriate because it affects patient care,” Itoo said.

Meanwhile, MBBS interns at several government medical colleges and hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday began a coordinated protest, demanding an increase in their monthly internship stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000.

According to reports, protests were held at several GMCs, including Srinagar, Baramulla, Handwara, Anantnag, SKIMS Bemina, Jammu, Udhampur, Rajouri and Doda.

The protesting interns said they would refrain from joining routine duties until their demand was addressed by the authorities.

“The existing stipend is inadequate keeping in view our clinical responsibilities, workload and rising living costs,” the interns said.

They said interns are routinely posted in emergency departments, wards, operation theatres and ICUs, where they assist senior doctors in patient-care services as part of their compulsory internship.

Resident doctors at GMC Srinagar have also extended support to the protesting interns, describing their demand for a revised stipend as justified.