Srinagar, Sep 1 (KNS) : PDP leader Iltija Mufti Tuesday joined the protesting medical interns at GMC Srinagar and expressed solidarity with their legitimate demand for an enhancement of their monthly stipend from the existing ?12,300 to ?30,000.

In a statement issued, She said it is deeply concerning that medical interns across Jammu & Kashmir continue to receive one of the lowest stipends in the country, despite shouldering an enormous workload. Interns are routinely required to perform duties extending from 12 to 48 hours and, across J&K, are often denied even basic holidays and adequate leave.

The demand for a ?30,000 stipend is both reasonable and justified. Several states have already revised their internship stipends substantially upwards. Odisha and West Bengal provide around ?45,000, while Uttar Pradesh has increased its stipend from ?12,000 to ?25,000, with Bihar also having undertaken a revision.

Iltija Mufti said the government must seriously reconsider its priorities.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelAt a time when substantial public resources are being spent on lavish government programmes and activities, it is difficult to justify denying a modest and legitimate increase to young doctors who are working around the clock to sustain the public healthcare system.

She called upon the J&K Government to immediately initiate a meaningful dialogue with the protesting interns, resolve their concerns and enhance their stipend to ?30,000 without further delay. The government must also ensure that interns are provided reasonable working conditions, adequate leave and basic protections commensurate with the demanding services they render.

Young doctors serving in government hospitals cannot be expected to work 12 to 48-hour shifts, without adequate holidays or benefits, while being among the lowest-paid medical interns in the country. Their demand is legitimate, and the government must respond with urgency and sensitivity.(KNS)