Doctors’ Strike Continues for Fifth Day in Jammu and Kashmir

The indefinite strike by intern doctors in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir over low stipends has entered its fifth day, affecting medical services at several government hospitals.

The young MBBS and BDS interns are demanding that their monthly stipend be increased from Rs12,300 to Rs30,000. The protesting doctors say they are being asked to work up to 18 hours a day for only around Rs400 per day.

Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has expressed support for the doctors, urging the government to stop the economic exploitation of young doctors and accept their legitimate demands.

The doctors also questioned why their stipend has not been increased for the past seven years. They claim that although a Rs25,000 stipend was approved, the matter has been deliberately kept pending with the Finance Department.

Medical services at GMC Srinagar and SKIMS Soura have been severely affected, while interns in Jammu, Anantnag, Baramulla, Rajouri and Kathua have also stopped attending duties. The protesting doctors have warned of a hunger strike if their demands are not addressed.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also visited GMC Srinagar at night to express solidarity with the protesting doctors. She urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to approve the doctors’ case within seven to ten days.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has also urged the authorities to resolve the issue quickly so that treatment of patients, particularly those from poor families, does not suffer.