Srinagar, May 15 (IANS). The demand for increasing the stipend of MBBS and BDS intern doctors in Jammu and Kashmir seems to be gaining momentum once again. For a long time, intern doctors have been demanding to increase their stipend, but till now no concrete decision has been taken in this matter. In such a situation, the intern doctors have now demanded Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene in the matter.
Intern doctors say that the file related to increasing their stipend is continuously moving from one department to another. The Finance Department says that the file is with the Chief Minister’s Office, while Assembly Minister Sakina Itu said that the matter is still pending in the Finance Department.
On this issue, Dr. Momin said that currently MBBS and BDS intern doctors in Jammu and Kashmir are being given a monthly stipend of only Rs 12,300, which is very low. He said that an MBBS student studies hard for about 5 years, works continuously for 36 hours, does night shifts and is engaged in serving the patients but despite this he gets such a small amount.
Citing the example of other states, Dr. Momin said that Bihar has recently approved increasing the stipend of intern doctors. At the same time, in states like Odisha and West Bengal, intern doctors are being given a stipend of more than Rs 30 thousand. In such a situation, the doctors of Jammu and Kashmir are feeling neglected.
He said that today even a laborer earns Rs 700 to Rs 800 by working a day, but it is very disappointing and unjust for a trained doctor, who is engaged in saving people’s lives, to get only Rs 12,300 a month.
Doctors allege that this important issue is being continuously postponed. When they contact the Finance Department, they are told that the file has been sent to the Chief Minister’s Office and when inquiries are made in the Chief Minister’s Office, the reply is that a decision will be taken soon but for a long time only assurances are being received.
Now the intern doctors have sought intervention from Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He says that the government should take this matter seriously and decide on increasing the stipend as soon as possible, so that the young doctors can get relief.
–IANS
PIM/PM
