MBBS, BDS interns’ strike over stipend hike enters fifth day in IIOJK
Intern doctors reject one-month deadline after meeting Health Minister
Srinagar : The indefinite strike by MBBS and BDS interns across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) entered its fifth day today, with the protesters rejecting a one-month timeframe offered by the authorities to address their demand for a stipend increase.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the interns are demanding that their monthly stipend be raised from the existing Rs12,300 to Rs30,000.
The interns began their indefinite strike on August 31 by withdrawing from routine duties at government medical colleges and hospitals across IIOJK. They said the stipend had remained unchanged for nearly seven years despite rising inflation, extended working hours and the responsibilities associated with their internship.
Aaqib Ali Khan, a final-year MBBS student at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, said in a media interview that the protest would continue peacefully until the government addressed their demand.
The protesters have also highlighted disparities in stipend amounts between IIOJK and various Indian states and union territories, where medical interns receive higher stipends. Their demand has received support from political parties across the political spectrum in IIOJK.
Meanwhile, a delegation of protesting interns met IIOJK Health Minister Sakina Itoo and Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani to discuss their long-pending demand and apprise them of the concerns faced by intern doctors. The delegation comprised among others Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, Dr Tasaduk, Dr Akib, Dr Shahnawaz, Dr Faraz and Dr Zamin.
MBBS, BDS interns’ strike over stipend hike enters fifth day in IIOJK
During the meeting, the Health Minister asked the interns to give the government one month to address the stipend issue. However, the protesters rejected the proposed timeframe and said they would continue their strike until their demand was addressed.
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan said, “The interns have already waited for a long time. We want a clear and concrete commitment from the government rather than another assurance. If the matter can be resolved, why should interns be asked to wait for another month? We need clarity on how long it will actually take.”
The interns said they would call off the strike only after receiving a written government order confirming the stipend increase.
