Talking to reporters the protesting interns said  that their demand has remained pending for a considerable period and have sought a formal government order on the enhancement of the stipend, asserting that verbal assurances alone would not be sufficient to end their agitation.

The development comes a day after a delegation of intern doctors met Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo to discuss the issue and apprise her of the difficulties being faced by interns.

According to representatives who attended the meeting, the government sought time to examine the matter and take a decision. However, the interns said they want the assurance to be translated into a written and formal government order.

The representatives said they would continue their peaceful protest until a concrete decision is taken by the government. They also warned that if their demand is not addressed soon, they may intensify the agitation and resort to a hunger strike.

The intern representatives who participated in the meeting have also appealed to the protesting doctors and the public to rely only on their official statements regarding the outcome of the discussions and avoid circulating unverified information.

AIMSA J&K President Dr Mohammad Momin Khan also sought greater transparency from the government regarding the discussions held with the intern delegation.

“Yesterday, you told the intern doctors’ delegation to wait for one month. Why are you not stating the same thing publicly? Interns and the people of J&K deserve transparency and clarity,” he said.

He requested the Chief Minister to personally look into the matter and ensure that a fair and time-bound resolution is reached.

“A timely decision on your part will not only address a genuine grievance but will also reaffirm the trust of our young doctors and dental graduates in the Government,” Tarigami said in his letter.

The stipend issue has emerged as a major concern among MBBS and BDS interns across J&K, who have been demanding revision of their monthly remuneration. The interns have maintained that despite performing regular clinical duties and contributing to patient care, their stipend does not adequately reflect their workload and the prevailing cost of living.

The protesting interns have made it clear that they are ready to continue their peaceful agitation but want a concrete and written decision from the administration.

Representatives said the decision was taken during a virtual meeting after an ultimatum served to the government expired without any concrete response. The strike will cover all field, block, and district-level NHM and Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP/NTEP) workers across both divisions. Dr. Vikas Sharma, Divisional President of All JKNHMEA Jammu Division, stated that the step became necessary due to the non-resolution of key issues despite repeated assurances. Kashmir Division President Muneer Andrabi and NTEP UT President Musadiq Rafiq Parra emphasized that employees demonstrated immense patience, but the lack of progress left them with no option, calling on all staff to participate peacefully.

Srinagar:The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released the MBBS Seat Matrix for the 2026–27 academic session, directing all medical colleges across the country to ensure admissions are made strictly against the number of seats approved by the Commission.
In an official communication issued by NMC Secretary Dr Raghav Langer, the Commission informed Directors, Principals and Deans of all medical colleges that had submitted applications under the NMC public notice dated December 22, 2025, as well as the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), about the approved undergraduate seat matrix for the upcoming academic year.
According to the communication the NMC stated that the seat matrix has been issued in accordance with a public notice released by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB). However, it clarified that the published seat matrix will remain subject to revision, if required, based on decisions taken by the Appeal Committee or any other competent authority.
The Commission instructed all medical colleges and institutions to strictly adhere to the approved intake capacity and emphasised that no admissions should be made beyond the number of seats authorised for the 2026–27 academic session.
“All Medical Colleges shall strictly ensure that admissions are made only against the approved number of seats for the Academic Year 2026–27,” the communication states.
The NMC also asked the Medical Counselling Committee and other concerned counselling authorities to follow the revised seat matrix while conducting the counselling and admission process.
According to the Commission, the instructions are aimed at ensuring transparency, maintaining uniformity in admissions, and preventing institutions from admitting students beyond their sanctioned capacity.
The communication has urged all medical colleges, institutions and other stakeholders to carefully note the directions issued by the Commission and ensure their strict compliance during the admission process

Srinagar : The Counseling Cell, in partnership with the Cultural Club at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, successfully conducted two online Faculty Upgradation Programmes aimed at enhancing faculty skills in student mentoring, counseling, mental health, emotional well-being, and emotional intelligence.
The inaugural session was led by Prof. RoohieNaaz Mir, who commended the coordinators for their timely initiative. Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, the Director of NIT Srinagar, underscored the necessity of such faculty development programs in fostering a comprehensive academic environment, highlighting the importance of equipping faculty with both technical and emotional support skills. The workshops, coordinated by Dr. Neeraj Gupta, Dr. Vijay Kumar, Dr. Dinesh Kr. Rajendran, and Aamir Bashir, focused on addressing the psychological and emotional challenges faced by students. The first workshop, titled “Student Mentoring Skills Workshop / Student Mentoring & Counselling,” featured Wasim Rashid Kakroo, a clinical psychologist, who discussed prevalent mental health issues among university students, including anxiety, depression, and academic pressure. Faculty members were trained to recognize early signs of emotional distress and behavioral changes in students. The second workshop, “Mental Well-Being & Emotional Intelligence for Faculty / Mental Health & Well-Being,” included Dr. Devendra Singh Basera, a neuro-psychiatrist, who emphasized the critical role of emotional intelligence (EI) in academia. He argued that academic success is insufficient without effective teaching and leadership skills, which are enhanced by EI. Dr. Basera provided insights into how emotional intelligence contributes to better communication, resilience, and conflict resolution, while also addressing real-world academic challenges faced by faculty. He shared strategies for fostering empathy and psychological safety within educational settings, reinforcing the idea that emotional intelligence is essential for creating supportive academic environments.

New Delhi, Srinagar :In a significant move aimed at strengthening drug regulation and promoting the rational use of medicines, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified an amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, making it mandatory for consumers to produce a valid doctor’s prescription to purchase all syrups, including cough syrups.
The decision comes through the Drugs (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, notified by the Ministry on June 9, 2026, and has come into force with immediate effect following its publication in the Official Gazette.
According to the notification, the government has amended Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945, by removing the word “Syrups” from the list of medicines that were previously exempted from certain provisions governing retail sale. As a result, syrups can no longer be sold over the counter without a prescription.
The amendment follows a public consultation process initiated through a draft notification issued in December 2025. The Centre stated that objections and suggestions received from stakeholders and the public were examined before the final rules were notified after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board.
Health experts believe the move is intended to curb the growing trend of self-medication and misuse of liquid formulations, particularly cough syrups. In recent years, concerns have been raised over the indiscriminate use of cough syrups containing ingredients that may cause adverse effects when consumed without medical supervision.
Officials said that requiring a prescription would help ensure that patients receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment rather than relying on self-prescribed medicines for symptoms that could indicate more serious health conditions.
The new rule is also expected to improve monitoring of medicine sales and promote responsible dispensing practices among pharmacists.
With the amendment taking effect, pharmacies across the country will be required to dispense syrups only upon presentation of a valid prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner.
Consumers who previously purchased cough syrups, fever syrups, antibiotic syrups, digestive syrups, and other liquid medications directly from medical stores will now need to consult a doctor before obtaining these medicines.
Pharmacists may face regulatory action if found selling syrups without adhering to the revised provisions.
The Ministry said the amendment forms part of broader efforts to enhance patient safety and ensure the rational use of medicines. Public health experts have repeatedly highlighted the dangers of uncontrolled access to medicines, including antibiotic resistance, delayed diagnosis, drug interactions, and adverse health outcomes.
The latest amendment is expected to bring greater accountability in medicine dispensing practices while encouraging patients to seek professional medical advice before consuming prescription medications.
The notification has been issued under the powers conferred by Sections 12 and 33 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and is now applicable across India

The study, conducted under the Indian Council of Medical Research Task Force and coordinated nationally by Director Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and noted endocrinologist M. Ashraf Ganie, is being described as the world’s largest assessment of PCOS, marking a major global contribution to understanding the disorder’s scale and complexity.

Experts say the burden is even higher in Kashmir. Speaking at an international conference at SKMIS, Dr Yoginder Gupta noted that Kashmir faces an even greater challenge, with nearly 30 percent of the population affected by PCOS, indicating a disproportionately high regional burden.

Gupta emphasized that such alarming figures call for collective, multi-sectoral action, stating that PCOS can no longer be addressed in isolation.

He commended the pioneering research led by Prof Ganie, noting that the extensive data generated at SKIMS has been instrumental in shaping national and global understanding of the disorder, including its medical and social implications.

He further noted that the research has enabled the Indian Council of Medical Research to undertake multifactorial studies, addressing not only clinical aspects but also the stigma and broader societal consequences associated with PCOS.

The two-day international conference, which concluded on Sunday, brought together leading national and international experts to deliberate on the growing burden of PCOS, endocrine disorders, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are increasingly being termed a global epidemic.

Chief Guest Dr. Manilka Sumanatilleke, chair-elect International Diabetes Federation ( South East Asia Region) & president of the Sri Lanka Medical Association and the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka, highlighted that PCOS remains a neglected health issue in several countries. He noted that exposure to the scientific sessions and clinical research at SKIMS has provided valuable insights, which he intends to take back to strengthen healthcare responses in her country.

In his address, Prof Ganie, who is also president of the M.P-PCOS Society outlined key dimensions including the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, the societal role in addressing PCOS, and SKIMS’ contributions through research and clinical excellence.

He emphasized the need for evidence-based policymaking and highlighted the institute’s growing academic stature at national and international levels.

Employees demand job policy, pay parity, social security benefits

Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: After 48 hours, National Health Mission (NHM) employees association, Thursday, called off its 48-hour strike across Jammu and Kashmir as Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, assured a time-bound resolution of long-pending demands.
However, protests were reported from several parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar city. The development came after a detailed meeting between the health minister and representatives of the NHM Employees Association at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu.
During the meeting, the delegation led by Provincial President Jammu Dr. Vikas Sharma, Provincial President Kashmir Muneer Ahmad Andrabi, and other leaders raised key issues, including lack of job security, delay in salary disbursement, absence of a comprehensive job policy, limited career progression, and denial of social security benefits such as EPF and retirement cover. They also demanded implementation of the principle of “equal work, equal pay.”
During the interaction, the delegation apprised the Minister of various challenges faced by NHM employees, including service security, timely disbursement of salaries, career progression, and strengthening of workplace support systems.
The representatives emphasized the crucial role played by NHM staff in delivering healthcare services, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Listening patiently to the concerns raised, the Minister acknowledged the significant contribution of NHM employees in strengthening grassroots healthcare delivery and improving public health outcomes.
She appreciated their dedication and commitment, especially during challenging times when healthcare workers remained at the forefront of service.
Itoo assured the delegation that the government is committed to addressing genuine and long-pending grievances in a phased and practical manner.
She reiterated that the welfare of healthcare workers remains a priority for the government, adding that constructive engagement between the administration and employee representatives is essential for building a responsive and resilient healthcare system.
Following the assurances, the NHM Employees Association announced withdrawal of the strike, stating that the decision was taken in the larger interest of patient care and public healthcare services.
However, the Association issued a two-month ultimatum to the government, warning that failure to address their demands within the stipulated timeframe would lead to renewed agitation.
As the strike was officially called off, protests by NHM employees were reported from multiple districts across Kashmir, including Pattan, where employees continued their agitation for the second consecutive day.
The protesting employees reiterated their demands for a comprehensive job policy, immediate pay revision, enforcement of “equal work, equal pay,” and extension of social security benefits.
NHM spokesperson Mohammad Shafi Para said employees remain concerned over job insecurity and inadequate wages.
“We have been working for years without any job security. Despite performing the same duties as regular employees, we are paid far less. This injustice must be addressed,” Para said.
He added that NHM employees have played a crucial role in the healthcare system, especially during challenging times, but their issues continue to be ignored.
The protestors urged the government to translate its assurances into concrete action, warning that protests could intensify if their demands are not addressed within a reasonable timeframe.
Earlier on Wednesday, on the first day, NHM employees observed a complete strike across Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting their genuine demands, including formulation of a comprehensive job policy, immediate pay revision, social security benefits, including retirement benefits, extension of EPF benefits to all cadres, implementation of payment parity, loyalty benefits, and other long-pending issues.
The Association further thanked various employee organizations, including J&K Medical Employees Federation, J&K EJAC and All CHOs Association J&K for extending their valuable support and solidarity during the strike.