J&K Medical Interns’ Stipend: Why the disparity?

By: Dr. Fiaz Maqbool Fazili

Medical interns, especially those pursuing MBBS and BDS, are the backbone of any healthcare system. In their transitional phase between academic learning and professional practice, they shoulder immense responsibilities in hospitals, often working long hours under strenuous conditions. These individuals, fresh from rigorous years of study, are entrusted with patient care, emergency handling, and administrative tasks. Yet, in many regions, their stipends fail to reflect their labor, skill, or essential contributions.

In Jammu & Kashmir, the meagre stipends offered to medical and dental interns have been a matter of discontent for years. Despite similar work profiles, medical interns in Delhi-NCR and other metropolitan regions receive stipends ranging between ₹40,000 and ₹50,000, while their counterparts in Jammu and Kashmir subsist on paltry sums, barely enough to meet even basic living expenses. This disparity, which starkly highlights regional inequities, demands urgent redressal from the government.

The role and struggles of medical Interns

The life of a medical intern is one of sacrifice, discipline, and relentless hard work. Interns are the first point of contact for most patients. They take patient histories, administer medication, assist in surgeries, and ensure follow-up care—all under the supervision of senior doctors. Their workload frequently stretches beyond 12 hours a day, including night shifts, with minimal breaks.

Apart from professional challenges, interns grapple with financial strain. With stipends as low as ₹9,000–₹12,000 in some states, including Jammu and Kashmir, meeting basic necessities such as food, accommodation, and transportation becomes an uphill task. For married interns or those supporting families, the financial burden is even more daunting. Many interns are forced to rely on family support or personal loans to make ends meet, negating the sense of independence and financial security that should accompany professional training.

Why the disparity?

The stark difference in stipends across states stems from variations in budgetary allocations and prioritization of healthcare infrastructure. While some states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Kerala have consistently revised interns’ stipends to match inflation and reflect the cost of living, regions like Jammu and Kashmir have lagged behind. This disparity not only undermines the morale of local medical graduates but also discourages talented professionals from staying in their home state, further exacerbating the brain drain from already underserved areas.

Additionally, the cost of living in Jammu and Kashmir is no less significant than in other parts of the country. Rising inflation, coupled with the unique socio-political challenges of the region, makes the inadequacy of stipends all the more glaring. While the government has made commendable strides in improving healthcare infrastructure, neglecting the welfare of medical interns sends a contradictory message about the value placed on human resources in healthcare.

A case for higher stipends

Raising the stipends of medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a matter of fairness but also a strategic investment in the state’s healthcare future. Here’s why:

1.Recognizing Hard Work and Skill- Medical interns are not just students; they are vital contributors to the healthcare system. Their work ensures the smooth functioning of hospitals and the delivery of timely patient care. Compensating them adequately is a recognition of their hard work and the specialized knowledge they bring to their roles.

2.Encouraging Retention-Offering competitive stipends can serve as an incentive for young doctors to stay and work in the region post-internship. This is particularly crucial for Jammu and Kashmir, where healthcare facilities in rural and remote areas often struggle with staffing shortages.

3.Improving Morale and Productivity-Financial insecurity can severely impact the mental health and productivity of interns. A fair stipend would not only alleviate their stress but also boost their morale, enabling them to focus better on patient care and learning.

4.Fostering Equity in Healthcare-Bridging the stipend gap between states ensures that interns across the country are treated equitably, irrespective of their location. This promotes a sense of unity and fairness within the medical community, strengthening the national healthcare system as a whole.

5.Addressing Inflation and Rising Costs-The cost of living in India has risen significantly over the years, and stipends need to keep pace with this reality. From accommodation and food to study materials and transportation, the expenses borne by interns often far exceed their earnings. A higher stipend would help interns meet these basic needs without undue hardship.

The human aspect: Stories of struggle

Behind every medical intern is a story of resilience and determination. Many interns in Jammu and Kashmir hail from middle-class or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. For these individuals, the current stipend barely covers their rent, let alone other necessities.

Take the case of Ayesha, a MBBS intern in Srinagar. Married with a one-year-old child, she struggles to balance her professional duties and family responsibilities. Her stipend of ₹9,000 is insufficient to cover even the cost of daycare for her child. Stories like Ayesha’s are not uncommon, underscoring the urgent need for a more humane approach to stipend allocation.

The Path Forward: A Call to the Government

Madam Sakina Itoo, Minister of Health (MOH) is undoubtedly the ideal person to understand the challenges faced by medical interns. Her proactive approach to policy review and reforms has inspired great hope among interns during her tenure.”

The government of Jammu & Kashmir must prioritize the welfare of its medical interns in the upcoming budget. Here are some actionable steps:

1.Immediate Revision of Stipends-The stipend for medical and dental interns should be revised to at least ₹35,000–₹40,000 per month, in line with the national average. This would ensure that interns are fairly compensated for their labor and can meet their living expenses.

2.Annual Review Mechanism-Establishing a mechanism for the annual review of stipends, linked to inflation and cost of living indices, would ensure that stipends remain fair and relevant over time.3.Special Grants for Married Interns and Parents-Providing additional financial assistance or childcare support to married interns or those with dependents can alleviate their unique challenges.

4.Incentives for Rural Service.Offering higher stipends or bonuses for interns working in rural or underserved areas would encourage them to serve where they are most needed.

5.Public-Private Partnerships

Collaborating with private hospitals and healthcare organizations to supplement intern stipends could ease the financial burden on the government while ensuring interns are adequately compensated.

Medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir, like their counterparts across the country, dedicate their lives to the service of humanity. Yet, the glaring disparity in stipends undermines their contributions and places undue financial strain on them. Enhancing their stipends is not just a matter of economic justice; it is a moral imperative and a strategic investment in the region’s healthcare future. The government must act decisively in the upcoming budget to address this long-standing issue. By raising stipends, they can not only ensure the dignity and well-being of medical interns but also strengthen the state’s healthcare system, fostering a brighter, healthier future for all. Let this budget be a testament to the government’s commitment to equity, justice, and the welfare of its most dedicated professionals.

Dr. Fiaz Maqbool Fazili is a surgeon at Mubarak Hospital, a healthcare policy analyst, and a certified professional in healthcare planning and quality reforms. Reach out at [email protected]