 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 1: Senior BJP leader and Spokesperson BJP J&K UT, Dr. Tahir Chowdhary, strongly condemned the continued inaction of the J&K Government on the long-pending demand of MBBS intern doctors for an immediate enhancement in their monthly stipend. Dr. Chowdhary said it is deeply unjust that young doctors in Jammu and Kashmir are receiving only Rs 12,000 per month, despite performing demanding medical duties, working long hours, attending night shifts, handling emergencies and serving patients round the clock. He stressed that the disparity becomes even more glaring when compared with other States and Union Territories, where intern doctors are receiving significantly higher stipends.
"When young doctors across other States and UTs are receiving substantially higher stipends for similar responsibilities, why should the doctors of J&K be paid only Rs 12,000. This disparity must end," Dr. Chowdhary said.
According to comparative figures highlighted by the protesting doctors, stipends in several States are substantially higher, including Rs 44,319 in Odisha, Rs 43,099 in West Bengal, Rs 35,000 in Assam, Rs 30,000 in Karnataka, Rs 27,300 in Kerala, and Rs 26,300 in Delhi and Meghalaya.
Dr. Chowdhary said the interns are demanding a stipend of ?30,000 per month, which he described as a genuine, reasonable and justified demand considering their workload, responsibilities and rising cost of living.
"Our young doctors are the backbone of the healthcare system in J&K. They work round the clock, attend emergencies, perform night duties and serve people in difficult circumstances. Their contribution cannot be valued at a meagre Rs 12,000 a month," he asserted.
He particularly recalled the contribution of young doctors and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they worked tirelessly on the frontline, often putting their own health and safety at risk to save lives.
Dr. Chowdhary said that the doctors have been raising their demand for several years through repeated representations, yet the issue remains unresolved.
"The government cannot continue to ignore a genuine demand that has remained pending for years. Young doctors should be encouraged and respected, not compelled to protest for basic fairness," he said.
Dr. Chowdhary strongly urged Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah and Health & Medical Education Minister Smt. Sakina Itoo to personally intervene and resolve the matter immediately.
"The BJP stands firmly with our young doctors. The government must act with sensitivity and urgency. Equal responsibility deserves fair compensation, and J&K's young doctors deserve dignity, justice and a stipend comparable with their counterparts in other States and UTs," Dr. Tahir Chowdhary said.
He further cautioned that prolonged protests and disruption of internship services could ultimately affect patients and the functioning of healthcare institutions, making an early resolution all the more important. |
