Doctors Urge JnK Govt to Increase Stipend for MBBS Interns

Srinagar: Demanding a stipend hike for the MBBS interns in Jammu and Kashmir, the doctors have urged the Chief Minister, Health Minister, and Director of Health Services of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene. Currently, the MBBS interns in the Union Territory receive Rs 12,000 per month as their stipend.

Highlighting the "urgent need for a significant hike" in the stipend provided to the medical interns in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Democratic Medical Association (DMA) pointed out that "internship is a crucial period in the career of a medical graduate, where they contribute extensively to patient care and public health services under challenging circumstances, often without adequate financial support."

It pointed out that currently, the J&K medical inerns get insufficient amount of stipend, causing severe financial difficulties and demoralizing young doctors who are serving the healthcare system with dedication.

In its letter, the association mentioned, "It is important to mention here that in the past as well, several efforts and representations have been made regarding this issue, but unfortunately no conclusive action has been taken so far. This prolonged delay has created frustration among young doctors who continue to serve selflessly despite financial constraints."

Further, the association highlighted how several states across India have already revised the internship stipend in line with the rising cost of living and the contribution of interns. "Unfortunately, the stipend in J&K has not been brought at par, creating disparity and discontent among the young medical workforce," DMA mentioned in the letter.

"In view of the above, we strongly urge your esteemed office to consider and implement a substantial revision in the internship stipend at the earliest possible time. This step will not only uplift the morale of the young medical workforce but also ensure better healthcare services for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. We remain hopeful that under your leadership, this long-standing demand will be addressed with priority and sensitivity," it further added.

The letter has been addressed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah and Health Minister Smt. Sakeen Masood (Itoo) and it has been jointly drafted and signed by Dr. Amit Vyas (National Chief & National President), Dr. Shubh Pratap Solanki (National General Secretary), Dr. Sheikh Amir (National Faculty), and Dr. Kamal Singh (National Joint Secretary) of DMA.

Commenting on the matter, the National President of DMA, Dr. Amit Vyas said, "We are hopeful that the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Health Minister will take up this long-pending demand with sensitivity and priority."

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that recently the Vice President of All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) , Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan also requested the CM's intervention to ensure a stipend hike for the MBBS interns in J&K.