Srinagar, Sep 04 (KNO): Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) J&K president Vivek Bali on Friday criticised the NC-led government over the long-pending demands of protesting MBBS and BDS interns, urging authorities to raise their monthly stipend from Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000 and hold immediate talks with them.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said Bali expressed serious concern over the plight of medical interns demanding an increase in their monthly stipend from the existing Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000.
He said the stipend of medical interns has reportedly remained unchanged since 2019, despite the substantial rise in the cost of living and the demanding nature of their professional responsibilities. Medical interns work under stressful conditions, including night duties, emergency services, patient care and other critical responsibilities in hospitals.
“Medical interns are an essential part of our healthcare delivery system. They work long and demanding hours and provide vital services to patients. Their contribution must be recognised with fair and dignified compensation,” Bali said.
The spokesperson said Bali urged the J&K Government to take the demand of protesting MBBS and BDS interns seriously and initiate an immediate review of their stipend. He said the government cannot remain silent when young medical professionals are compelled to take to the streets for legitimate and long-pending demands.
Bali further criticised the NC-led government over what he described as its failure to fulfil several major commitments made during the election campaign, including promises relating to employment, free electricity, LPG cylinders and regularisation of daily wagers.
He also questioned the functioning of the J&K Health Department and urged Health Minister Sakina Itoo to personally intervene in the matter and engage with the protesting interns.
“The government must not ignore the genuine concerns of our young medical professionals. A responsible elected government should listen to their grievances, hold immediate dialogue and take a time-bound decision on the revision of their stipend,” Bali added.
The spokesperson said Bali called upon the J&K Government and the Health Department to initiate immediate dialogue with the protesting interns, review their stipend on priority and announce a clear and time-bound decision on their demand.
He reiterated that SBSP Jammu & Kashmir stands with the genuine concerns of medical interns and healthcare professionals and will continue to raise issues related to the welfare of healthcare workers, patients and the overall strengthening of the healthcare system in Jammu & Kashmir.—(KNO)