Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
A delegation of protesting MBBS and BDS interns met Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo and the Chief Minister’s Advisor to discuss their long-pending demand for a hike in the monthly stipend and apprise the government of the concerns being faced by intern doctors.
During the meeting, the Health Minister, according to news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), asked the interns to give the government one month’s time to address the issue. However, the protesting interns rejected the proposed timeframe and maintained that their strike would continue until a concrete decision is taken.
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, Incharge AIMSA, who accompanied the delegation, said the interns had already waited for a considerable period and were seeking a clear commitment from the government rather than another assurance.
“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,” he said.
The interns maintained that they would withdraw their strike only after the government issues a written order confirming the proposed stipend hike.
The delegation included AIMSA leaders Dr Tasaduk, Dr Akib, Dr Shahnawaz, Dr Faraz and Dr Zamin, who raised the concerns and demands of the protesting interns.
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan also supported and coordinated the interns’ efforts during the discussions.
The interns have been demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000, arguing that the payment has remained unchanged for several years despite rising living costs and the clinical responsibilities shouldered by intern doctors.
