Srinagar| Sept, 8: The Jammu and Kashmir government has assured medical interns that a decision on enhancement of their monthly stipend will be finalised within 30 days, following discussions between Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Masood Itoo and a delegation representing interns from various medical colleges across the Union Territory.
According to the official record note of the meeting, the interns raised the issue of enhancement of the existing stipend structure, citing the nature of their duties, workload and responsibilities in the healthcare system. The Health Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and said their concerns deserved due consideration. She also stated that the government was mindful of issues concerning medical interns and was sensitive to their legitimate concerns.
The Government informed the delegation that the matter was already under consideration and that a committee had been constituted to examine the issue comprehensively. The record note stated that the matter needed to be brought to a logical conclusion “expeditiously and without avoidable delay”, so that the academic and professional responsibilities of interns were not adversely affected and hospital services and patient care continued uninterrupted.
Following detailed deliberations, it was decided that the matter would be finalised within 30 days on the basis of recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee constituted under Government Order No. 538-JK(HME) of 2023, dated June 27, 2023.
The decision, according to the record note, will take into account the legitimate interests and concerns of medical interns. In view of the government’s assurance, the medical interns agreed to call off their strike and resume duties, citing the larger interest of patient care as well as the need to safeguard their academic and professional responsibilities. The meeting was attended by the Principal of Government Medical College Srinagar, Deputy Director Planning representing the Director Health Services Kashmir, and representatives of medical interns from various medical colleges of Jammu and Kashmir. The record note, however, makes it clear that no immediate stipend hike has been announced. The government has committed to finalising the issue within 30 days after considering the recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee.
