Kashmir Medical Interns' Strike Enters Third Day; Mehbooba Joins Night Vigil

Medical interns across Kashmir remained on strike for a third consecutive day on Wednesday, pressing their demand for a substantial increase in their monthly stipend. The protest, which began on August 31, has seen doctors hold night vigils at their respective hospitals.

On Wednesday evening, former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti joined the protesting doctors at Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, for their overnight vigil. Expressing solidarity, she described the situation as "deeply painful," noting that these young doctors work exhausting 36-hour shifts to save lives yet are forced to protest for a basic right. She appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to meet the interns and resolve their grievances.

The core demand of the striking interns is a revision of their stipend from the current level of just over Rs 12,000 per month to Rs 30,000. Protesting doctors have pointed out that their stipend has not been revised in seven years and that the current amount is a "bare minimum" that does not even cover commuting costs to hospitals.

Comparisons have been drawn with other parts of the country, where medical interns reportedly receive stipends upwards of Rs 30,000. The J&K Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Tariq Hameed Karra, has also written to the Chief Minister advocating for a hike, noting that the stipend in J&K is considerably lower than in several other states.

Health Minister Sakina Itoo, responding to the protest on its first day, acknowledged the need for an increase, citing rising costs. However, she stated that the matter is under review by the Finance Department due to financial implications and urged the doctors not to strike as it affects patient care.

The striking interns have rejected this explanation, stating they have heard such assurances for the past year. They have asserted that their sit-in will continue until their stipend demand is met.