Srinagar: Medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir have withdrawn their strike and resumed duties after Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo assured them that a final decision on their long-pending demand for enhancement of stipend would be taken up within 30 days.
The assurance was given during a meeting between the minister and a delegation representing medical interns from various government medical colleges across the Union Territory.
Sources said that the interns decided to call off the agitation after receiving an assurance that their demand would be taken to its logical conclusion within the stipulated timeframe.
The interns, during the meeting, apprised the government of their concerns over the existing stipend structure and highlighted the workload, duties and professional responsibilities they undertake during their internship.
The meeting was attended by the Principal of Government Medical College Srinagar, Deputy Director Planning representing the Director of Health Services Kashmir, and representatives of medical interns from different medical colleges of Jammu and Kashmir.
During the interaction, Itoo informed the interns that their demand for enhancement of stipend was already under consideration by the government.
She said a committee had been constituted to examine the issue comprehensively under Government Order No. 538-JK(HME) of 2023, dated June 27, 2023.
The minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and acknowledged the concerns raised by the interns, assuring them that their legitimate demands would be duly considered.
After detailed deliberations, it was decided that the matter would be finalised within 30 days, taking into account the recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee as well as the concerns raised by the medical interns.
The government also stressed the importance of resolving the matter expeditiously while ensuring that the academic and professional responsibilities of the interns, as well as hospital services and patient care, remain unaffected.
Following the assurance, the medical interns called off their strike with immediate effect and returned to their respective duties.
The delegation said the decision to withdraw the agitation was also taken keeping in view the larger interest of patients and the continuity of healthcare services.
