Bijbehara: Sakeena Itoo, Minister for Health and Medical Education, on Friday said the demand of MBBS and BDS interns for enhancement of their stipend is genuine, but maintained that the issue should not be politicised.
Speaking to reporters in Bijbehara, Itoo said she was herself a doctor and had a clear understanding of the difficulties faced by medical interns during their training period.
“I have been a doctor myself, and I understand the difficulties interns face. They are playing an important role in hospitals, and their concerns are genuine,” she said.
The minister, as reported by the news agency KNO, said the matter was already under consideration and the concerned file was presently with the Finance department.
She assured that the government would make every possible effort to address the issue and take steps for the welfare of interns at the earliest.
However, Itoo expressed displeasure over attempts to give a political colour to the ongoing protest, saying that the genuine concerns of interns should not become a platform for political point-scoring.
“The issue of interns is very genuine, but it should not be politicised. Those who are trying to play politics over this issue must also recall what they did for interns when they were in government and what steps they took for their welfare during their tenure,” she said.
The remarks come amid the ongoing protest by MBBS and BDS interns across Jammu and Kashmir, who have been demanding an enhancement in their monthly stipend.
Itoo reiterated that the government was seized of the matter and said efforts were underway to resolve the issue through the appropriate administrative process.
During her visit to Bijbehara, the minister also appreciated Padma Shri awardee Javed Tak for his social work and contribution towards education and the welfare of children.
She assured him of every possible support from the Social Welfare and School Education departments for the functioning and development of Zaiba Aapa Institute of Inclusive Education at Bijbehara. (KNO)
