Editorial: J&K govt must act fairly on MBBS interns’ stipend

The protest by MBBS interns across Jammu & Kashmir over the inadequacy of their monthly stipend deserves serious and sympathetic consideration from the government. Their demand to raise the stipend from around Rs 12,300 to Rs 30,000 cannot be dismissed as an unreasonable financial claim, particularly when these young doctors are performing demanding clinical duties in government hospitals.

An MBBS internship is not merely an academic formality. Interns work in emergency departments, wards, operation theatres and intensive care units, assisting senior doctors and participating in patient care. They work long and often unpredictable hours, while simultaneously completing one of the most demanding phases of their medical training.

Against this backdrop, a stipend of Rs 12,300 appears increasingly inadequate. The cost of transport, food, accommodation and other basic necessities has risen substantially. Many interns posted outside their home districts may face significant additional expenses. A government that expects interns to shoulder real responsibilities in public hospitals must also ensure that their compensation reflects the nature of that work.

It is encouraging that Health Minister Sakina Itoo has acknowledged that the demand is genuine and that the proposal is under consideration by the Finance Department. The reported support of the Chief Minister is equally significant. What is now needed is a time-bound decision rather than an open-ended administrative process.

At the same time, interns should recognise the consequences of withdrawing from patient-care duties. Government hospitals, particularly emergency and tertiary-care facilities, cannot afford disruptions in services. Their legitimate demand should therefore be pursued without compromising essential patient care.

The government, for its part, should not allow the protest to become a confrontation. It should engage with representatives, communicate a clear timeline and examine the proposed Rs 30,000 stipend objectively, including its financial implications and parity with comparable institutions.

Young doctors entering public service deserve to begin their professional journey with dignity. A fair stipend is not simply an expenditure; it is an investment in the morale, commitment and quality of J&K’s future healthcare workforce. The government should resolve this issue promptly and fairly.