Medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir strike for higher stipends

Medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir have entered their third consecutive day of strike and protests, demanding a significant increase in their monthly stipends. MBBS and BDS interns from various institutions, including the Associated Government Medical College and Hospital Doda and SKIMS Medical College, are protesting the current remuneration of approximately Rs 12,000 to Rs 12,300 per month.

Protesters argue that the current stipend is insufficient to cover professional training expenses and does not reflect their clinical responsibilities and workload. They highlighted a growing disparity with other regions, noting that the Uttar Pradesh government has increased stipends to Rs 30,000. Although a government committee recommended raising the stipend to Rs 25,000 in 2023, interns claim the decision remains stalled in administrative processing.

In Doda, interns held a candlelight march to intensify their demands. The ongoing strike has begun to impact hospital services, affecting routine duties and patient care. The interns have called on the UT administration and the Health and Medical Education Department to initiate dialogue and resolve the long-standing pay disparity.