SRINAGAR: Medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir have agreed to call off their strike after the government assured them that their demand for enhancement of the monthly stipend would be resolved within 30 days.
The decision followed a meeting between Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo and a delegation of medical interns representing various medical colleges in the Union Territory.
The interns have been demanding revision of their monthly stipend, currently around Rs 12,300, citing their workload, emergency duties and responsibilities in government hospitals.
According to the record note of the meeting, the government decided to take the matter to its logical conclusion within 30 days on the basis of recommendations of the committee constituted to examine the issue of stipend enhancement.
The delegation, in view of the time-bound assurance, agreed to call off the strike and resume duties in the interest of patient care.
The meeting was attended by the Principal of Government Medical College, Srinagar, the Deputy Director Planning representing the Director Health Services Kashmir and representatives of the medical interns.
The proceedings were recorded by Peerzada Zahoor Ahmad, JKAS, Officer on Special Duty to the Health and Medical Education Minister.
