JAMMU: Medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir have agreed to call off their strike after the government assured them that their long-pending demand for enhancement of monthly stipend will be resolved within 30 days.
According to an official record note issued by the Personal Section of Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena (Masood) Itoo, a delegation of medical interns representing various medical colleges of J&K met the Minister on September 4 and September 9 to seek revision of the existing stipend structure.
The delegation was also attended by the Principal, Government Medical College Srinagar, and the Deputy Director Planning, representing the Director Health Services, Kashmir.
During the meeting, the interns apprised the Minister of the existing stipend structure and sought a suitable revision, citing their workload, duties and responsibilities within the healthcare system.
Chairing the meeting, Minister Sakeena Itoo gave the delegation a patient hearing and acknowledged that their concerns “deserve due consideration.” She assured the interns that the government remained mindful of issues concerning medical interns and was sensitive to their legitimate concerns.
Stipend committee to examine demand
The Minister informed the delegation that the matter was already under consideration and that a committee had been constituted to examine the issue comprehensively.
The record note refers to the Stipend Enhancement Committee, constituted vide Government Order No. 538-JK(HME) of 2023 dated June 27, 2023.
It was observed that the matter needed to be brought to a logical conclusion “expeditiously and without avoidable delay” so that the academic and professional responsibilities of interns were not adversely affected and hospital services and patient care continued uninterrupted.
Following detailed deliberations, it was decided that the matter would be finalised within 30 days on the basis of the recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee and keeping in view the legitimate interests and concerns of medical interns.
Strike called off
In view of the assurances given by the government, the medical interns agreed to call off their strike forthwith, keeping in view the larger interest of patient care as well as their academic and professional interests.
The proceedings were recorded and signed by Peerzada Zahoor Ahmad, JKAS, Officer on Special Duty to the Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare Department, J&K, and dated September 8, 2026.
