Srinagar, Aug 31 (JKNS): Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Monday said the demand of MBBS interns for enhancement of their monthly stipend is genuine and that the government has already initiated the process for considering the hike.
Speaking to reporters, as per news agency JKNS, Itoo said the matter was discussed with the protesting interns and the department has processed their case.
“We have met them. After meeting them, we have processed their file. The file has been sent to the Finance Department for the financial implications. It is under process,” the minister said.
She said the government understands the concerns of the interns, particularly in view of the rising cost of living and inflation.
“It is okay, it is their genuine demand. We do not say that it is wrong. Because these days there is a lot of inflation. There is a need to increase it. We ourselves agree,” Itoo said.
The minister said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also expressed his view on the need to address the issue, adding that the Health Department is already working on the matter.
“The Chief Minister has also said this. The government is already working on this. The Health Department is already working on this,” she said.
Itoo, however, urged the interns not to resort to strikes, saying that the issue was already under consideration and that a strike could adversely affect patient care.
“They did not need to go on strike. It is under process without it. I do not think it is right to go on strike. It affects their patient care,” she said.
MBBS and BDS interns had earlier held peaceful protests at Government Medical Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir and at SKIMS Bemina, demanding revision of their long-pending internship stipend. (JKNS)
