Srinagar July 15 : In a significant development regarding the long-pending demand for a stipend hike for MBBS interns in Jammu and Kashmir, the J&K government has shown encouraging support and interest towards the issue, signaling that the much-awaited relief may be near.
On the sidelines of the Annual Day at SKIMS Medical College Srinagar, The Hon’ble Chief Minister of J&K while interacting with the MBBS Interns has conveyed a strong commitment, stating, “Whatever the Hon’ble Health Minister recommends, I will do that.” This assurance has added weight to the expectations of over a thousand MBBS interns across the region who have been persistently voicing their concerns for years.
The Health Minister, Sakina Itoo while addressing the media on the matter, confirmed that the proposal for a stipend hike is in its final stage of approval. She emphasized that the matter has been dealt with utmost priority, and the hike “would be done soon,” offering hope to the medical fraternity working tirelessly in hospitals under strenuous conditions.
Adding further momentum to the development, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr. Nasir Sogami is set to chair a review meeting tomorrow with the Finance Department to expedite the formalities and clear the pending approvals. This meeting is expected to address the remaining procedural steps and potentially finalize the hike.
The Interns across the region have been at the forefront of this movement, consistently highlighting the financial challenges faced by medical graduates during their mandatory internship period.
Interns have expressed optimism following recent developments, viewing the statements by the CM and Health Minister as a step in the right direction. They also welcomed the Advisor’s intervention, which may serve as the final push needed to translate verbal commitments into formal policy.
Interns across Government Medical Colleges and Associated Hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir now await the Finance Department’s nod with hopeful anticipation.(KNS)
