Srinagar, Sep 3: The protest by MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir over the long-pending demand for enhancement of monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000 entered the fourth day on Thursday.
The continued absence of interns from routine clinical duties has begun putting additional pressure on postgraduate doctors, particularly at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, where PG doctors are reportedly handling a substantially increased workload amid the ongoing protest.
With interns traditionally assisting in wards, emergency departments, OPDs and other clinical services, postgraduate doctors have had to shoulder additional responsibilities.
Doctors said that the situation is particularly challenging in busy departments where patient footfall remains high.
In some departments, doctors are attending to nearly 100 patients within 24 hours, adding to the pressure on PG residents who are already required to manage emergency calls, admissions, procedures and routine patient care.
The situation has raised concerns among patients and attendants, with the increased workload potentially contributing to longer waiting times and placing additional strain on doctors and other healthcare staff.
Meanwhile, interns continued demonstrations at various medical institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, including GMC Srinagar, GMC Baramulla, GMC Handwara, GMC Anantnag, GMC Jammu, GMC Udhampur, GMC Rajouri, GMC Doda and SKIMS Bemina.
They maintain that the existing stipend has remained virtually unchanged for several years despite inflation, increased living expenses and the demanding nature of internship duties.
“We are performing duties in emergency, wards and other clinical areas, including night and extended shifts. The stipend we receive is not proportionate to the responsibilities being handled by interns,” a protesting intern at GMC Anantnag said.
Another intern said they were seeking a revision that would bring their remuneration closer to the amount being paid to interns in several other parts of the country.
The interns have demanded a clear and time-bound decision from the government, maintaining that the matter has remained pending despite repeated representations and assurances.
Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo had earlier acknowledged the demand, saying the proposal for enhancement of the stipend was under process and the file was before the Finance Department.
The interns, however, have insisted on a formal decision rather than verbal assurances.
In Anantnag, senior Congress leader and MLA Dooru G.A. Mir joined the protesting MBBS and BDS interns at GMC Anantnag on Thursday and expressed solidarity with their demands. He called for timely intervention by the authorities to resolve the issues being raised by the interns.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti also joined the protesting interns at Anantnag and extended her support to their ongoing agitation.
The interns said their protest would continue until their demand for stipend enhancement and other pending issues are addressed. (KNO)
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