Intern doctors thank JK government as stipend hike inches closer

July 16, 2025 by News Desk

MBBS interns across Jammu Kashmir have expressed gratitude to the government for taking concrete steps toward addressing their long-pending demand for a stipend hike, following a series of encouraging statements from top officials.

“We are truly thankful to the government for finally listening to us,” said Suhail Ahmad, an intern at Government Medical College, Srinagar. “It feels like our voices are being heard after years of struggle. This move will ease the financial burden on many of us who come from modest backgrounds.”

The growing optimism comes in the wake of strong assurances from the Chief Minister during the Annual Day at SKIMS Medical College in Srinagar. Speaking to a group of interns, the CM said, “Whatever the Hon’ble Health Minister recommends, I will do that,” signaling his readiness to support the proposed hike.

Health Minister Sakina Itoo also confirmed that the proposal for a revised stipend is in its final stage of approval. “The matter has been dealt with utmost priority and would be done soon,” she told reporters, acknowledging the tireless efforts of interns working under high-pressure hospital environments.

Adding further weight to the matter, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Sogami, is scheduled to chair a review meeting with the Finance Department tomorrow. The meeting is expected to fast-track pending approvals and potentially seal the decision on the hike.

Another intern, Areeba Jan from GMC Jammu, said the announcement has brought a “new sense of dignity” to the internship experience. “We’ve been working long shifts, often without breaks, and all we wanted was fair recognition. This step from the government gives us a sense of being valued.”

Interns across government medical colleges and hospitals in JK have been at the forefront of demanding a fair stipend, citing the intense workload and economic strain they face during the mandatory one-year internship.

As the final nod from the Finance Department is awaited, interns remain hopeful that these verbal assurances will soon translate into official policy.

Notably, the committee has recommended an enhancement in stipends of interns to Rs 26,350 from Rs 12,000 based on half of the basic pay of a Medical Officer in J-K, as per the National Medical Commission (NMC) norms