Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti joined medical interns on an overnight vigil on Wednesday, as their protest continued for a third day across the Valley. The medical interns, working in hospitals throughout Kashmir, are on strike seeking an enhancement in their monthly stipends. They have also been observing night vigils at their respective hospitals.
Protest Details
On Wednesday, Mufti joined the doctors at Government Medical College, Srinagar, stating,
“"It was deeply painful to see those who work exhausting 36-hour shifts, including nights, caring for patients and saving lives, forced to protest for a basic right. These young doctors are the backbone of our healthcare system. Their dedication cannot be met with neglect. A government that expects them to serve with sacrifice must also respect their dignity."
Mufti appealed to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to meet with the students and resolve their issues. The medical interns are demanding a revision of their monthly stipend, which currently stands at just above Rs 12,000, to Rs 30,000. These stipends have not been revised in the last seven years, and the protesting doctors have stated that the current amount is the “bare minimum” and “doesn’t even cover the cost of commuting” to the hospitals where they work.
