SRINAGAR: The deadlock over the stipend of MBBS and BDS interns in Jammu and Kashmir continued on Friday after talks between representatives of protesting interns and Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo failed to break the impasse, with the interns deciding to continue their indefinite strike.
The interns had sought a clear written commitment on enhancement of their monthly stipend. However, Dr Zamin Javiad, an intern at GMC Anantnag who was part of the delegation, said the Minister did not provide the written assurance sought by them.
According to Dr Javiad, the Minister told the delegation that the issue would be resolved within a month and assured them that the Government was working towards a possible solution.
The interns, however, insisted that the assurance be given in writing.
“We wanted a written assurance, but the Minister declined,” Dr Javiad told Kashmir News Trust, adding that the Minister maintained that discussions remained open and that the interns could approach her at any time.
The meeting ended without an agreement that could persuade the interns to call off their agitation.
The interns have been demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000. They began their indefinite strike on August 31, arguing that the stipend has remained unchanged for years despite inflation, long working hours, emergency duties and the responsibilities assigned to them in government hospitals.
The Government has previously acknowledged the demand. Health Minister Sakina Itoo had termed the demand justified and said the proposal was under consideration in the Finance Department. She had also urged the interns to call off the strike, citing its impact on patient care.
The interns, however, maintain that assurances that the matter is “under process” are no longer sufficient, particularly as the issue has remained pending despite earlier recommendations and repeated representations.
Dr Javiad said the interns would not call off the strike merely on the basis of another verbal assurance.
“We will continue our strike till the resolution of our issue,” he said.
The continuation of the strike is likely to add to the workload of postgraduate doctors and other medical staff at hospitals where interns have withdrawn from routine duties. Reports from GMC Srinagar have already indicated additional workload for postgraduate doctors following the interns’ absence from wards, emergency departments and other clinical areas.
The interns maintain that they are not seeking a prolonged confrontation with the Government, but a formal decision that provides certainty over the revised stipend.
For now, however, Friday’s meeting has failed to break the deadlock, with the interns making it clear that they will continue their strike until their demand is resolved. [KNT)
