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MBBS interns demand increase in monthly stipend

The interns believe that the delay in approving the stipend hike lies with the Finance Department, which unnecessarily prolongs the process.
07:31 AM Jun 26, 2024 IST | Rabiya Bashir
mbbs interns demand increase in monthly stipend
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Srinagar, June 25: MBBS interns across Jammu and Kashmir are raising their voices, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend.

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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.

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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.

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

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"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.

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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