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Young doctors’ fight for fair stipend puts J&K administration under pressure
Jammu: The standoff between Jammu and Kashmir’s intern doctors and the administration has intensified as the protest over stipend revision entered its sixth consecutive day. MBBS and BDS interns across the Union Territory have refused to return to duty, demanding an immediate increase in their monthly stipend and a government order instead of repeated assurances.
The protesting doctors, including interns from Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, say the existing stipend of around Rs 12,300 does not match their workload, clinical responsibilities and long working hours in government hospitals. They are demanding a revised stipend in the range of Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000, similar to what medical interns receive in several other states and Union Territories.
The agitation has now emerged as a major issue concerning healthcare workers, medical education and the treatment of young doctors entering the public health system.
The protest began after medical interns raised concerns over what they describe as a long-pending disparity in stipend payments. Intern doctors argue that despite working as part of hospital teams, handling patients, assisting in emergency services, performing night duties and managing critical clinical responsibilities, they continue to receive a comparatively low monthly amount.
According to the protesting doctors, medical interns in various parts of India receive significantly higher stipends, creating a sense of inequality among young medical professionals in Jammu and Kashmir. They have questioned why similar financial standards have not been implemented for interns working in government medical institutions across the Union Territory.
The protesting interns have strongly rejected the perception that their demand is a request for financial assistance. They maintain that they are trained medical professionals contributing to the healthcare system and their demand is about fair compensation for the services they provide.
The doctors say they regularly work extended shifts, attend emergencies and support patient care operations, making the current stipend of Rs 12,300 insufficient considering the responsibilities attached to their role. The interns have made it clear that verbal assurances will not end the protest and that they want an official government decision through a formal order.
Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo has acknowledged that the demand raised by intern doctors is genuine. The minister stated that the proposal regarding a stipend increase is under consideration and being processed by the administration.
However, the protesting doctors argue that the issue has remained pending for a long time and requires immediate action rather than further delays. They have demanded a clear timeline and a concrete decision from the government.
The protesting interns have also questioned why senior political leadership has not directly intervened despite the issue affecting young doctors working in government hospitals.
They say that while they respect the administration, their concerns should also receive equal attention because they are contributing to public healthcare services on the ground. The doctors have appealed for a resolution that recognises their efforts and addresses the financial gap compared with other regions.
The ongoing strike has raised concerns about the impact on hospital functioning, especially because intern doctors play an important role in assisting medical teams, managing routine responsibilities and supporting patient care services.
While senior doctors and healthcare staff continue operations, prolonged absence of interns could create additional pressure on government medical institutions. The administration now faces the challenge of balancing budgetary considerations with the demands of a young medical workforce.
The J&K intern doctors’ protest has opened a wider debate on the working conditions, financial support and professional recognition of medical interns across India.
Medical students spend several years completing their education before beginning internship duties, where they gain practical experience while also contributing significantly to healthcare delivery. The agitators argue that stipend policies should reflect the responsibilities and workload handled by interns.
The protest has become a significant test of how the government responds to the concerns of young healthcare professionals demanding better financial recognition and working conditions.
