MBBS interns demand increase in monthly stipend

Srinagar, June 25: MBBS interns across Jammu and Kashmir are raising their voices, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend.

A delegation of interns told Greater Kashmir that current stipend is insufficient to meet their basic needs, especially in light of rising living costs and the demanding nature of their work.

Currently, the MBBS students doing internships in different GMC associated hospitals receive a meager wage of just Rs 12,000 per month, which is significantly lower than the 33,000 rupees received by their counterparts in other states.

Dr Manan, an intern at GMC Anantnag, told Greater Kashmir that they feel severely undervalued and underpaid compared to interns in other states.

"We receive the lowest stipend in the country despite having a heavier workload and fewer colleges. We have 24-hour duties and rural postings for which we receive no travel expenses,”he said.

The interns said that there was a delay in the stipend hike. "A committee was formed a year ago and submitted a report, but no progress has been made since then, " they said.

Wajahat, another intern, said that the finance department has raised queries regarding their duties in rural areas, which they attend throughout the year and which form the basis of rural healthcare.

"Replies were sought from all medical colleges, and despite forwarding the queries three months ago, the same queries were forwarded to the Directorate of Health Services for replies, " he said.

The interns believe that the delay in approving the stipend hike lies with the Finance Department, which unnecessarily prolongs the process.

Interns said the Secretary, Health & Medical Education has been discussing the issue with all Medical College Principals.

"In June, a meeting was held where all Principals recommended increasing the stipends to 25,000 rupees. However, despite these recommendations, the hike has not been approved, " he said. However, the officials from the Finance department told Greater Kashmir that they will look into the matter.