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Healthcare Heroes Or Forgotten Workers? Intern Doctors Demand Fair Pay
Srinagar: The protest by medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir gained political attention on Tuesday after PDP leader Iltija Mufti visited Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar and expressed support for their demand to revise internship stipends.
The MBBS and BDS interns have been protesting for an increase in their monthly stipend, stating that the existing payment of ₹12,300 does not match their workload, responsibilities and financial challenges during the internship period.
The protest has highlighted concerns among medical trainees who say they work under intense pressure, including long hospital shifts, emergency duties and 24×7 on-call responsibilities, while receiving a stipend that has remained unchanged for several years.
Iltija Mufti reached GMC Srinagar on Tuesday and interacted with the protesting intern doctors who were demanding immediate revision of their stipend structure.
The PDP leader listened to the concerns raised by the medical interns and extended support to their demand, bringing further attention to the issue of stipend disparity among medical trainees in Jammu and Kashmir.
The protesting students said that despite increasing responsibilities in hospitals, there has been no significant revision in their internship allowance for years.
Interns Demand Stipend Hike From ₹12,300 To ₹30,000
The medical interns have demanded that their monthly stipend be increased from ₹12,300 to ₹30,000.
According to the protesting interns, the current stipend is not sufficient to manage basic expenses, especially considering the demanding nature of medical internships.
They highlighted that internship is a crucial phase of medical training where students are responsible for patient care, hospital services and emergency duties while continuing their professional learning.
The interns argued that the financial support provided during this period should reflect their workload and contribution to the healthcare system.
The major concern raised by the interns is the gap between their workload and the stipend they receive.
They said medical interns are required to work for extended hours, remain available during emergency situations and perform duties across different hospital departments.
The interns also pointed out that the stipend amount has remained unchanged for many years despite increasing living costs and rising expenses related to accommodation, transportation and daily needs.
They have demanded a fair revision to ensure that medical trainees can continue their duties without financial stress.
Government Says Matter Under Consideration
The Health and Medical Education Department has stated that the stipend revision issue is currently under consideration.
Health Minister Sakina Itoo acknowledged that the demand raised by the medical interns was justified and informed that the proposal for increasing the stipend has been forwarded for consideration by the Finance Department.
The government’s response has provided some hope to the protesting interns, but they have maintained that they will continue their demonstration until a final decision is announced.
The GMC Srinagar protest has brought renewed focus on the financial challenges faced by medical interns across the country.
Medical trainees often play an important role in supporting healthcare services, especially in government hospitals, where they assist senior doctors and handle patient responsibilities during their internship period.
The interns believe that improving stipend structures can help recognise their contribution and provide better working conditions for young healthcare professionals.
The protesting interns have announced that their agitation will continue until their demand for stipend revision is accepted.
The next step will depend on the decision of the Finance Department and the final approval from the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
As discussions continue, the issue has become a key concern among medical students and healthcare communities in the Union Territory.
