Srinagar, Sep 4: Protesting intern doctors in Jammu and Kashmir have decided to continue their strike after rejecting the government’s request to wait another month for a decision on their demand for a hike in monthly stipend.
A delegation of the interns met Health Minister Sakina Itoo and the Chief Minister’s Advisor to discuss their demand and the difficulties faced by intern doctors.
The interns are seeking an increase in their monthly stipend from the existing ₹12,300 to ₹30,000, arguing that the current amount is inadequate given their workload, long shifts and rising living expenses.
During the meeting, the Health Minister, according to officials, asked the interns to give the government one month to resolve the issue.
The interns, however, rejected the proposed timeframe and said their strike would continue until the government provides a written order confirming the stipend hike.
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, Incharge AIMSA, who accompanied the delegation, said the interns had already waited for a considerable period.
“The interns have already waited for a long time. We want a clear and concrete commitment from the government rather than another assurance,” he said.
“If the matter can be resolved, why should interns be asked to wait for another month? We need clarity on how long it will actually take,” Khan said.
The protesting doctors said they are required to work demanding schedules, including 36-hour shifts and night duties, while handling a heavy workload.
They said the existing stipend does not adequately reflect the nature of their duties or the financial pressures they face.
The interns maintained that assurances alone would not be sufficient to end the agitation and reiterated that they would withdraw the strike only after receiving a formal written government order on the proposed increase.
Doctors associated with the interns’ campaign, including Dr Tasaduk, Dr Akib, Dr Shahnawaz, Dr Faraz and Dr Zamin, were part of the delegation.
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan also supported and coordinated the interns’ efforts, the protesters said.
