Medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir have issued a stern warning, threatening to commence an indefinite hunger strike from October 10 if the administration fails to honor its written commitment to increase their monthly stipends by October 9. This ultimatum signals a potential escalation of the ongoing protest, which has been pursued through peaceful and democratic channels for several months.
Mohammad Akib Javid, a representative for the intern group, conveyed the urgency of the situation in a public post on the social media platform X. He expressed a prevailing hope that the Jammu and Kashmir government would adhere to its prior written assurance and finalize the long-pending stipend enhancement for both MBBS and BDS medical interns. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the interns have been actively pursuing this demand for an extended period and are looking for the government to act within the stipulated timeline. Javid emphasized the interns’ sincere hope that the necessary steps would be taken promptly, leading to the implementation of the much-anticipated stipend revision.
However, Javid was unequivocal in his warning: should the government not fulfill its written pledge by October 9, medical interns throughout the Union Territory would initiate an indefinite hunger strike the following day. He articulated the interns’ desire to avoid confrontation, stating, “We do not want confrontation. We want a written order, implementation and justice for medical interns who are working day and night in our hospitals and serving patients.” This statement underscores the interns’ belief that their demands are legitimate and their contributions to the healthcare system warrant fair compensation and recognition.
The core of the interns’ demand revolves around a significant increase in their monthly stipend. Currently receiving Rs 12,300, they are advocating for this amount to be raised to Rs 30,000. The interns argue that their stipend has remained static for approximately seven years, a period marked by a considerable rise in the cost of living and an increasing workload within the hospitals. This stagnation, they contend, is no longer sustainable given their dedication and the essential services they provide.
The agitation had previously intensified last month, with interns across Jammu and Kashmir staging protests to press their demand. A significant demonstration during this period involved a 48-hour hunger strike, which served as a powerful statement of their resolve and the seriousness of their grievance. This intense period of protest was eventually suspended following a crucial meeting. The meeting was convened and chaired by the Health Minister, Sakina Itoo, and included a delegation of medical interns alongside senior officials from the health department.
According to the official record note of that meeting, the resolution of the stipend issue was deemed a priority. It was agreed that the matter should be brought to a logical conclusion without any avoidable delays. The objective behind this expedited resolution was to ensure that the interns’ academic and professional responsibilities were not adversely affected and, critically, that patient care remained uninterrupted. The current warning of a hunger strike indicates that the progress made in that meeting has not been sufficient to satisfy the interns’ demands, leading them to believe that further action is necessary to ensure compliance with the government’s assurances.
The situation highlights a recurring challenge in the healthcare sector where junior medical professionals, despite their crucial role in patient care, often face remuneration issues. The interns’ commitment to serving patients while simultaneously advocating for their rights underscores their dedication to both their profession and their well-being. The government’s commitment, as stated in the meeting record, to resolve the issue promptly, now faces a critical deadline, with the potential for significant disruption to healthcare services if the interns’ demands are not met.
The interns’ representatives have consistently maintained that their pursuit of a stipend hike is not an act of defiance but a necessary step to ensure fair treatment and to acknowledge their contributions. They are reportedly seeking a tangible outcome in the form of a written order and its subsequent implementation, rather than mere assurances. The impending deadline of October 9 and the subsequent threat of an indefinite hunger strike from October 10 represent a critical juncture, where the government’s response will determine the immediate future of medical intern services in Jammu and Kashmir and could potentially impact patient care across the region.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
Leave a Reply