DNB resident doctors at the Government Medical College-associated hospital in Janglat Mandi, Anantnag on Thursday continued their strike to protest the non-payment of their monthly stipends.
The Diplomate of National Board (DNB) is a postgraduate Master’s degree equivalent to the MD/MS degree awarded to Specialist Doctors in India after the completion of a three-year residency.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), DNB resident doctors expressed frustration, saying they haven’t received their stipends for the last seven months, which has compelled them to go on strike.
“We are around 40 DNB residents, and most of us are from outside J&K. We have families dependent on us, and without stipends, we are unable to make ends meet,” they said.
Doctors lamented that choosing seats in J&K was a mistake, considering the hardships they have faced in the absence of stipends for the past seven months.
“We have come from different states and do not deserve to be treated like this despite working 24×7,” said Dr Nitin, a doctor participating in the strike.
“We have initiated an indefinite strike. However, doctors on emergency duty are continuing their responsibilities. If our stipends are not released within the next few days, emergency section doctors will also join the strike,” Dr Nitin said.
DNB residents conveyed that despite meeting higher officials of the Health and Medical Education Department and filing complaints with the Governor’s Grievance Cell, they have not received a positive response. Principal GMC Anantnag verbally assured us that stipends would be released within eight days, but has not provided a written assurance, they said.
They added, “Once we receive a written assurance along with the stipulated date for releasing the stipend, we will resume our duties.”
“Since yesterday, no official contacted us,” they said, adding that they will continue their strike till their issue is resolved—(KNO)