Srinagar, Oct 12 (KNO): A delegation of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), accompanied by representatives of intern doctors from Jammu and Kashmir, met Health Minister Sakeena Itoo on Monday to seek an early release of the pending revised stipend order for MBBS and BDS interns.
During the meeting, the delegation raised concerns over the delay in issuing the formal order, which has been awaited by intern doctors seeking revision of their monthly stipend.
The Health Minister, according to the delegation, informed the representatives that the matter had already been processed and forwarded to the concerned Secretary. She reportedly asked them to wait for another week for the release of the order.
The meeting, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), was attended by Dr Tasaduk, Joint Secretary of AIMSA; Dr Zamin, Academic Head; and Dr Danish, Additional Secretary, besides representatives of intern doctors from the Union Territory.
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, President of AIMSA, said the association would continue to pursue the concerns of medical students and doctors until their genuine demands were addressed.
He said the association expected the government to follow through on its assurance and issue the revised stipend order without further delay, bringing clarity to the matter for MBBS and BDS interns.
Following the discussions on the interns' stipend, AIMSA has also decided to intensify its efforts for a revision of stipends paid to postgraduate medical and dental doctors, including MD, MS, MDS and DNB residents.
Dr Momin said postgraduate residents play an important role in patient care, hospital services and clinical training, and their stipend structure also needed attention from the government.
“Once the issue concerning interns is resolved, we will take up the long-pending demand for a stipend hike for postgraduate doctors. MD, MS, MDS and DNB residents deserve a fair and appropriate stipend, and we urge the Jammu and Kashmir Government to take necessary steps towards its revision,” he said.
The association maintained that the welfare of medical trainees should remain a priority, given their responsibilities in healthcare institutions alongside their academic and professional training.
AIMSA reiterated that it would continue engaging with the authorities to seek resolution of pending issues affecting medical interns and postgraduate residents across Jammu and Kashmir.
The association expressed hope that the assurance given during Monday's meeting would translate into the issuance of the revised stipend order within the indicated timeframe—(KNO)