Srinagar, May 19 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Students Association (JKMSA), the official medical wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, on Tuesday sought the intervention of Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda while expressing deep concern and strongly condemning the alleged summoning and issuance of disciplinary notices to MBBS interns at Government Medical College Anantnag for peacefully raising their demand for enhancement of stipend for medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement as per news agency JKNS, JKMSA President Wasim Khan said it is deeply unfortunate that young medical professionals, who tirelessly serve patients and remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery under immense academic, physical and psychological pressure, are allegedly being subjected to intimidation and disciplinary proceedings merely for voicing genuine concerns related to inadequate stipends, excessive workload, long duty hours and difficult working conditions.
He said medical interns, postgraduate residents and junior doctors form the backbone of the healthcare system and dedicate countless hours to patient care and hospital services, often working beyond prescribed duty hours in extremely demanding circumstances.
Raising concerns regarding fair compensation, humane working conditions and professional dignity, he said, cannot be treated as misconduct or indiscipline but is a legitimate, democratic and constitutional right.
Dr Khan said the students had reportedly made a peaceful video highlighting their demand for stipend enhancement and such expression should not attract punitive action or coercive measures.
He said instead of summoning students and doctors for allegedly violating institutional norms, constructive dialogue and empathetic engagement would have been a far more appropriate and effective way of addressing their grievances.
The association said it fails to understand how peacefully demanding a rightful stipend hike amounts to violating college norms.
“Did the students disrespect anyone? Did they violate any law or constitutional principle? If not, then targeting students and young doctors for peacefully expressing their concerns creates an atmosphere of fear and suppression within educational and medical institutions,” the statement said.
JKMSA further stated that a healthy and efficient healthcare system depends upon a motivated, respected and adequately supported medical workforce.
Suppressing genuine grievances through notices and intimidation, it said, only demoralises future healthcare professionals and discourages them from speaking about systemic issues affecting the healthcare sector.
The association urged the administration of Government Medical College Anantnag and the Jammu and Kashmir Government to immediately withdraw any notices or summons issued against the students and ensure that no punitive action is taken against any intern or junior doctor for peacefully raising their concerns.
Seeking immediate intervention from Jagat Prakash Nadda, JKMSA urged the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to take cognisance of the matter and ensure justice for the affected students and doctors.
The association appealed to the Union Health Minister to facilitate a fair and peaceful resolution of the issue, address the long-pending demand for stipend enhancement and ensure that medical interns and junior doctors in Jammu and Kashmir are provided dignified working conditions and fair treatment at par with institutions across the country.
The association further stated that educational and healthcare institutions must remain spaces where students and young professionals can express genuine concerns without fear of harassment, victimisation or retaliation.
“Resorting to coercive or disciplinary measures against doctors and students seeking fair treatment is neither justified nor acceptable,” the statement added. (JKNS)
