Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP on Tuesday extended support to MBBS interns protesting over the alleged disparity in their monthly stipend and urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo to personally intervene and resolve the issue.
The medical interns began their indefinite strike across the Union Territory on Monday, seeking a higher stipend and better working conditions.
“The BJP stands firmly with our young doctors. The government must act with sensitivity and urgency. Equal responsibility deserves fair compensation, and J&K’s young doctors deserve dignity, justice and a stipend comparable with their counterparts in other states and UTs,” party spokesperson Dr Tahir Chowdhary said in a statement here.
He cautioned that prolonged protests and disruption of internship services could ultimately affect patients and the functioning of healthcare institutions, making an early resolution all the more important.
“If the government fails to address the genuine demands of the doctors and does not take the necessary action without further delay, the BJP will not hesitate to take up the matter before the public and fight for justice for our young doctors,” the party leader said.
He said it was “deeply unjust” that medical interns in J-K were receiving only Rs 12,000 per month despite performing demanding duties, including night shifts, emergency services and long working hours.
“The government cannot continue to ignore a genuine demand that has remained pending for years. Young doctors should be encouraged and respected, not compelled to protest for basic fairness,” Chowdhary said.
He said the interns’ demand for a monthly stipend of Rs 30,000 was “genuine, reasonable and justified” in view of their workload, responsibilities and the rising cost of living.
The BJP leader urged the chief minister and the health and medical education minister to intervene personally and ensure an early resolution of the issue.
Itoo on Monday said the demand of the interns was already under consideration of the government and they need not resort to strikes.
