MBBS Interns of GMC Baramulla Continue Strike for Second Day, Demand Hike in Internship StipendBa

MBBS Interns of GMC Baramulla Continue Strike for Second Day, Demand Hike in Internship Stipend Baramulla, September 1: Rezwan Mir The strike by MBBS interns of Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla continued for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, demanding an increase in their internship stipend in Jammu and Kashmir. The interns have made it clear that their protest will continue until their stipend is increased to ₹30,000 per month. The interns stated that they are currently receiving only ₹12,300 per month, which they termed extremely low considering their responsibilities and workload. MBBS interns perform crucial duties in hospitals, including emergency services, wards, OPDs, OTs, and other clinical responsibilities. The interns said that their protest entered the second day in a peaceful and democratic manner. They added that their demand is not new and that they have been seeking a fair revision of the stipend for the past several years. The interns also referred to the statement of Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, who had said that a file regarding the revision of the stipend had been forwarded to the government. The interns said, “For the last several years, we have been hearing that the file has been sent, but our demand has still not been fulfilled. Now, we need a concrete decision, not just assurances.” According to the interns, MBBS interns in several states across the country are receiving much higher stipends compared to Jammu and Kashmir. They highlighted the following figures: Karnataka: ₹33,000 per month Assam: ₹30,000 per month Delhi: ₹26,300 per month Kerala: ₹25,000 per month Jammu & Kashmir: ₹12,300 per month At a monthly stipend of ₹12,300, an intern receives approximately ₹400 per day. The interns said that the current stipend was revised in 2019, and nearly seven years have passed since then. During this period, the cost of living and inflation have increased significantly, while the responsibilities of interns have also continued to grow. They further stated that despite a report/recommendation regarding stipend revision emerging in 2023, the matter is still pending. The interns said that their demand is not merely about financial benefits but is also about respect, equality, and proper recognition of their work. They appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Government, the Health and Medical Education Department, and concerned authorities to take immediate cognizance of the long-pending issue and hold discussions with representatives of the interns to resolve the matter. The interns reiterated that their demand is clear — the MBBS internship stipend in Jammu and Kashmir should be increased to ₹30,000 per month. They added that their protest is peaceful, democratic, and within the framework of law, while they remain committed to patient care and the fundamental principles of the medical profession.