JnK CM's intervention sought for MBBS intern stipend hike
Stipend Hike
Srinagar: A medical students' body recently requested the Jammu and Kashmir Government to increase the stipend for MBBS interns.
Writing to the Chief Minister of J&K, Mr. Omar Abdullah, the Vice President of All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) , Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan, has requested the CM's intervention to ensure a stipend hike for the MBBS interns in J&K.
Highlighting that the MBBS interns of J&K receive a stipend of only Rs 12,000 per month, the letter mentioned, "Despite repeated assurances over the past six years, no substantial progress has been made, leaving young medical graduates disheartened and financially strained."
The association pointed out how recently States such as Bihar enhanced the stipend for MBBS interns to Rs 27,000, acknowledging the contribution and hardwork of intern doctors.
"Unfortunately, J&K continues to lag far behind. which not only demoralizes the interns but also creates an atmosphere of disparity and neglect," the letter further added.
Urging the Chief Minister to intervene, the Vice-President of AIMSA further added, "We sincerely request your intervention in this matter so that the government expedites the process and ensures that stipends are enhanced at par with other states without further delay. We also urge the authorities to examine all possible mechanisms to address this long pending demand. Your support will mean a great deal to the interns who dedicate themselves to serving the people, often under challenging conditions."
Medical Dialogues had previously reported that earlier this year, the MBBS interns from medical colleges across Jammu and Kashmir made an appeal to the State Government and the Health and Medical Education Department, seeking an increase in their monthly stipend to Rs 26,350 following the recommendations of a committee under the Director Finance of the department.
The medicos referred to the recommendations of a government-appointed committee, which had advocated for a substantial hike. A delegation of interns recalled that the government had constituted a committee under the Director Finance of the H&ME Department through order number 538 JK-HME dated 27-06-2023. The committee submitted its report in August 2023, recommending an increase in the stipend to Rs 26,350, aligning it with half the basic pay of a Medical Officer in J&K, as per National Medical Commission norms, reports the Rising Kashmir.
Also Read: Meagre Rs 12000 a month! JnK MBBS Interns Demand Stipend Hike
