Medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir have commenced an indefinite strike, demanding an urgent increase in their monthly stipend from ₹12,300 to at least ₹30,000.

  • Nearly 1,700 medical interns are participating in the indefinite strike.
  • Current stipend of ₹12,300 has remained unchanged since 2019.
  • Interns report working over 80 hours per week.
  • Protesters are demanding a written implementation order rather than verbal assurances.

The healthcare landscape in Jammu and Kashmir is facing significant disruption as MBBS, BDS, and FMGE intern doctors have launched an indefinite strike. Protesting outside the Government Medical College in Jammu, these medical professionals are demanding an immediate revision of their monthly stipend, seeking an increase from the current ₹12,300 to a minimum of ₹30,000.

The grievances of the protesting doctors are rooted in economic hardship and perceived inequity. They highlighted that they are currently working grueling shifts exceeding 80 hours per week, which translates to a meager daily earning of approximately 400 rupees. The doctors pointed out that their stipend has seen no revision since 2019, making it one of the lowest in the country. They drew comparisons to states like Odisha, Assam, and Delhi, as well as premier central institutes like AIIMS Vijaypur, where stipends are significantly higher.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this unrest could lead to a critical shortage of medical manpower in essential hospital services. When the future workforce of the medical community feels undervalued and economically strained, it creates a systemic vulnerability that can impact patient care and the overall stability of the regional healthcare infrastructure.

The refusal to provide a living wage to medical trainees is a direct threat to the sustainability of the healthcare workforce.

While Health Minister Sakina Itoo has acknowledged the legitimacy of the doctors' demands and stated that the official file is currently under process, the interns remain skeptical. The protesting medical professionals have rejected these verbal assurances, citing a three-year history of unfulfilled promises from the administration.

The scale of the agitation is substantial, with an estimated 1,600 to 1,700 medical interns from all medical colleges across the Union Territory participating in the strike. The doctors have maintained a firm stance, declaring that the protest will only be called off upon the receipt of a formal, written implementation order regarding the stipend hike.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary demand of the J&K medical interns?
They are demanding that their monthly stipend be increased from ₹12,300 to at least ₹30,000.

2. How long has the stipend remained unchanged?
The doctors state that the stipend has not been revised since 2019.

Did You Know?: Medical interns in J&K are working nearly double the standard hours compared to many other regions while earning significantly less.