JnK doctors allege 6-month stipend delay, demand immediate release of dues

Srinagar: Postgraduate, DNB and Diploma doctors working in Jammu and Kashmir have alleged that they have not received their stipends for the last six months, even as they continue to provide healthcare services in government hospitals.

The issue has particularly affected doctors posted at District Hospital Pulwama and Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Shopian, who are now holding a peaceful protest demanding the immediate release of their pending stipends.

According to the protesting doctors, the prolonged delay in payments has caused severe financial difficulties, making it increasingly challenging for them to manage their daily expenses while continuing their medical duties.

Also read- No stipend hike for JnK MBBS interns? Finance dept returns file approved by Health Minister

Supporting their demand, Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, a health activist, urged the government to intervene and resolve the matter at the earliest.

"Postgraduate, DNB and Diploma doctors continue to serve patients day and night, yet many have not received their stipends for the last six months. How can we expect doctors to work under such financial distress?" Dr Khan said.

He appealed to the Chief Minister and the concerned authorities to release the pending stipends without further delay and ensure that doctors are not forced to struggle for their rightful dues while serving the public.

Dr Khan further stressed that the timely payment of stipends is crucial for maintaining the morale of young doctors and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services across Jammu & Kashmir.

The doctors have expressed hope that the authorities will take swift action and clear the pending dues at the earliest.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that MBBS and BDS interns in Jammu and Kashmir are still receiving a lower stipend than their counterparts in other states, surviving on around Rs 12,300 per month, despite demanding equal stipend like other states for years and performing the same workload.

In January 2025, the committee, formed by the previous government, had suggested a stipend enhancement to Rs 26,350 per month for the interns. However, despite the recommendation, there has reportedly been no progress from the government’s side even after two years.

Also read- Rs 12,300 stipend: JnK MBBS, BDS interns await long-pending hike