Medical, dental graduates meet Minister

Srinagar, Jan 3: A delegation of MBBS and BDS interns met with Sakina Masood, Minister for Health and Medical Education, today to demand a stipend hike from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000. While the Minister expressed eagerness to help, she cited a fund shortage, stating, "We will do what is in our capacity."

The interns, however, are disappointed, as Chief Minister had assured them in October that their demand would be met. The Health and Medical Education Department had also formed a committee last year to assess the financial implications of a stipend hike, and even explored using interns in rural settings.

In a letter to the Chief Minister in October 2024, the interns highlighted that despite committee recommendations, the Finance Department has not approved the stipend hike. They also pointed out that their stipend is lower compared to other states, with AIIMS offering Rs 30,070, Assam Rs 30,000, and Karnataka Rs 32,000.

The interns' demand is also backed by the Supreme Court, which has emphasized the importance of paying a reasonable stipend to medical interns. In a judgment, the apex court stated that the stipend paid to interns should be sufficient to enable them to maintain a decent standard of living.

Furthermore, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has also written to state governments, recommending a stipend hike for medical interns. The NMC has suggested that the stipend should be revised periodically to keep pace with the rising cost of living.

The interns have requested the government to approve the stipend hike with effect from June 1, 2024, and to provide them with a stipend at par with their counterparts in other states.