No stipend hike for JnK MBBS interns? Finance dept returns file approved by Health Minister
Srinagar: The UT Finance Department has reportedly returned the file for stipend enhancement of Jammu and Kashmir Medical Interns, which the Health Minister already approved.
Expressing disappointment over this development, the Vice President of Jammu and Kashmir Foreign Medical Students' Wing of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), Dr. Mohammed Momin Khan, wrote in an X post, "Very unfortunate ! After 11 months of delay the file for stipend enhancement of J&K Medical Interns already approved by the Health Minister has been returned by the Finance Department. Asking Hon’ble @OmarAbdullah who’s running the show?"
He shared a copy of the communication between the Finance Department and the Administrative Secretary to the Union Government's Health Department, which addressed the subject of enhancement of stipend in favour of MBBS/BDS/PG and DNB students of the UT of J&K of different medical/dental colleges.
Giving intimation regarding the return of the file, the communication added, "Department is requested to provide complete inputs on the clarifications sought vide Finance Department UO of Even No. dated 12.11.2024."
Speaking to Medical Dialogues in this regard, Dr. Khan, who is also the National Executive of FAIMA Doctors Association (J&K), said, "Despite clear assurance from Hon'ble CM Omar Abdullah's office and prior approval by the Health Minister, the Finance Department has shockingly returned the already-approved file for stipend enhancement of J&K Medical Interns (MBBS, MD, DNB, BDS) — after an unbelievable 11-month delay."
"I am receiving hundreds of calls and messages from distressed young doctors. This prolonged uncertainty is unacceptable. Our interns — MBBS, MD, DNB, BDS — deserve dignity, timely decisions, and justice," he added.
Currently, the MBBS interns in the Union Territory receive Rs 12,000 per month as their stipend. For a long time, doctors have been demanding a stipend hike for the MBBS interns in Jammu and Kashmir and earlier the Chief Minister, Health Minister and the Director of Health Services of Jammu and Kashmir were requested by the doctors to intervene,
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that requesting the CM to intervene to ensure a stipend hike for the MBBS interns in the UT, Dr. Mohammed Momin Khan had pointed out how despite repeated assurances over the past six years, no substantial progress had been made, leaving yound medical graduates disheartened and financially strained.
Also Read: Doctors Urge JnK Govt to Increase Stipend for MBBS Interns
