Medical Interns End Strike After Sakeena Itoo Assures Stipend Hike Within 30 Days
Government Says Stipend Issue Already Under Consideration; Decision to Follow Committee Recommendations
Srinagar, September 8 : Medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir have called off their strike and resumed duties after Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo assured them that their long-pending demand for enhancement of stipend would be finalised within 30 days.
The decision came after a meeting between the minister and a delegation of medical interns from different medical colleges across Jammu and Kashmir.
A member of the delegation told KNC that the interns were assured that their demand would be taken to a conclusion within the stipulated period.
“We met the Minister and were assured that our matter will be resolved within 30 days. Keeping the assurance in consideration, we have decided to call off the strike,” the delegation member said.
During the meeting, the interns placed before the government their concerns regarding the existing stipend structure, highlighting the nature of their duties, workload and professional responsibilities.
The meeting was chaired by Minister Sakeena Itoo and attended by the Principal of Government Medical College Srinagar, Deputy Director Planning representing the Director Health Services Kashmir, besides representatives of medical interns from various medical colleges of J&K.
Matter Already Under Government Consideration
The minister informed the delegation that the issue of stipend enhancement was already under consideration of the government.
She further apprised the interns that a committee had been constituted to examine the matter comprehensively under Government Order No. 538-JK(HME) of 2023 dated June 27, 2023.
Itoo gave a patient hearing to the interns and maintained that the concerns raised by them required due consideration. She also assured the delegation that the government was sensitive to their legitimate demands.
Decision Within 30 Days
During detailed deliberations, it was decided that the matter would be finalised within 30 days on the basis of the recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee, while also taking into account the legitimate concerns raised by the interns.
The government also emphasised the need to resolve the issue expeditiously so that the interns’ academic and professional responsibilities were not affected and hospital services and patient care continued without disruption.
Interns Resume Duties
Following the assurance from the minister, the medical interns agreed to withdraw their strike with immediate effect and resume their duties.
The decision, according to the delegation, was taken in the larger interest of patients and healthcare services, while also safeguarding the academic and professional interests of the interns.
The development brings an end to the ongoing agitation by medical interns, with the government now expected to take a final decision on stipend enhancement within the assured 30-day timeframe based on the committee’s recommendations. (KNC)
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