Jammu and Kashmir medical interns announce strike over stipend demands

MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir have announced a strike starting August 31 to demand an increase in their monthly stipend. The interns are seeking to raise their current monthly pay from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000.

The protesters stated they will refrain from attending duties in emergency departments, wards, and operation theatres until their demands are addressed. They argue the current stipend is inadequate given the rising cost of living and the heavy clinical responsibilities they undertake while assisting senior doctors.

Support for the strike has been voiced by various Resident Doctors Associations at government medical colleges, including those in Doda, Rajouri, and Srinagar. Activists have noted that previous committees had recommended an increase to Rs 26,350, but no progress has been made by the government. Interns have also called for parity with stipends provided to medical interns in other Indian states.