Srinagar, Aug 31: MBBS and BDS interns staged peaceful demonstrations at various government medical institutions across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, demanding an increase in their internship stipend.
The protests were held at Government Medical Colleges and SKIMS Bemina, among other institutions, where interns gathered and raised slogans in support of their demand for a revision of the stipend paid during the compulsory internship period.
The protesting interns said they work long hours and undertake significant clinical responsibilities during their internship, including assisting doctors, attending to patients and performing duties that contribute to the functioning of healthcare institutions.
#Watch | MBBS Interns from GMC Srinagar go on strike, demanding an increase in their monthly stipend pic.twitter.com/TWGvPS5inC
— Greater Kashmir (@GreaterKashmir) August 31, 2026
They maintained that the existing stipend does not adequately reflect the workload, responsibilities and contribution of interns to the healthcare system.
The interns urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to take up the issue on priority and initiate measures for revising the internship stipend.
They also sought the intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo, urging them to consider their demand and take a favourable decision.
The demonstrations remained peaceful, with the interns saying they would continue to pursue their demand through democratic and peaceful means.
The protesters said an increase in the stipend would provide financial relief to medical and dental graduates during their internship while also recognising the responsibilities they shoulder in government healthcare institutions.
The interns have appealed to the authorities to initiate dialogue with their representatives and address the issue at the earliest. (KNS)
