“MBBS Interns’ Stipend Hike Demand Genuine, File Under Process”: Health Minister Sakina Itoo
“MBBS Interns’ Stipend Hike Demand Genuine, File Under Process”: Health Minister Sakina Itoo
Says proposal sent to Finance Department for financial implications; urges interns not to strike, warns protests may affect patient care
Srinagar, Aug 31 : Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Monday said the demand of MBBS interns for enhancement of their monthly stipend is genuine and that the government has already initiated the process for considering the hike.
Speaking to reporters, as per news agency that, Itoo said the matter was discussed with the protesting interns and the department has processed their case.
“We have met them. After meeting them, we have processed their file. The file has been sent to the Finance Department for the financial implications. It is under process,” the minister said.
She said the government understands the concerns of the interns, particularly in view of the rising cost of living and inflation.
“It is okay, it is their genuine demand. We do not say that it is wrong. Because these days there is a lot of inflation. There is a need to increase it. We ourselves agree,” Itoo said.
The minister said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also expressed his view on the need to address the issue, adding that the Health Department is already working on the matter.
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“The Chief Minister has also said this. The government is already working on this. The Health Department is already working on this,” she said.
Itoo, however, urged the interns not to resort to strikes, saying that the issue was already under consideration and that a strike could adversely affect patient care.
“They did not need to go on strike. It is under process without it. I do not think it is right to go on strike. It affects their patient care,” she said.
MBBS and BDS interns had earlier held peaceful protests at Government Medical Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir and at SKIMS Bemina, demanding revision of their long-pending internship stipend. (JKNS)
Interns hold demonstrations at GMCs and SKIMS Bemina, urge government to address long-pending demand
Srinagar, Aug 31 : MBBS and BDS interns on Monday staged peaceful protests at Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) across Jammu and Kashmir, besides SKIMS Bemina, demanding revision of their long-pending internship stipend.
As per news agency that, The protesting interns called for an increase in the stipend, maintaining that the existing amount does not adequately reflect the workload and responsibilities shouldered by interns during their compulsory internship period.
The demonstrations were held peacefully across various medical institutions, with interns urging the administration and concerned authorities to take immediate cognisance of their demand and initiate the process for revision of the stipend.
The interns have also appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo to intervene in the matter and address their long-pending demand.
The protesting MBBS and BDS interns said they would continue to pursue the issue through peaceful and democratic means until a favourable decision is taken by the government. (JKNS)