Srinagar, Sep 08 :
Medical interns across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday called off their strike after a meeting with Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo, who assured that their demand for stipend enhancement will be finalized within 30 days.
According to a record note of the meeting held on 4th and 9th September 2026 between the Minister and the delegation of medical interns, a copy of which lies with GNS, the interns apprised the Minister of the existing stipend structure and highlighted the need for a suitable revision keeping in view the nature of their duties, workload and responsibilities.
The meeting was chaired by Minister Sakeena Itoo and attended by Principal Government Medical College Srinagar, Deputy Director Planning (representative of Director Health Services Kashmir), and delegation of medical interns representing various medical colleges of J&K.
The Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and observed that the concerns raised deserve due consideration, stating that the government has remained mindful of the issues and sensitive to their legitimate concerns.
The Minister informed the delegation that the matter is already under consideration and a committee has been constituted to examine the issue comprehensively vide Government Order No. 538-JK(HME) of 2023 dated 27.06.2023.
It was also observed that the matter needs to be brought to a logical conclusion expeditiously and without avoidable delay, so that the valuable time and academic and professional responsibilities of the interns are not adversely affected and hospital services and patient care continue uninterrupted.
After detailed deliberations, it was decided that the matter shall be finalised within a period of 30 days on the basis of the recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Committee and keeping in view the legitimate interests and concerns of the interns.
In view of the above, the medical interns agreed to call off their strike and resume their duties forthwith, in the larger interest of patient care and to safeguard their academic and professional interests.(GNS)