Matter will be resolved in few days: Principal
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 16: Doctors pursuing Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses at Government Medical College (GMC), Baramulla, started a strike today in response to the non-payment of stipends by the authorities for several months.
The protesting doctors, 33 in number, stated that despite bringing the matter to the attention of the GMC Administration multiple times, it remains unresolved, compelling them to resort to a strike to emphasize their demands.
“For the past 5 months, our stipends have not been released; we have repeatedly approached the Principal and other officials, but each time, they have provided reasons for the delay. We are enduring significant hardship, and this should be acknowledged,” remarked Sanjana Dhabi from the Department of Gynaecology at GMC Baramulla.
Dr. Dhabi, hailing from Maharashtra and representing the DNB scholars, asserted that until their stipends are disbursed, they will continue their strike, except for emergency duties.
“We have given them 4 days, till Saturday, during which we will attend to emergency duties. However, if the stipends are not released by then, we will proceed with a complete strike to assert our demands,” she added.
Another protesting doctor, Dr. Nishant from the Department of ENT, lamented that despite their strenuous efforts, they are being denied their rightful dues.
“We have had numerous meetings with the Principal and the Accounts Officers, and each time, we have been asked to wait for another month. We are working more than 48 hours per week. Despite our dedication, we are not receiving what is rightfully ours,” he expressed.
Meanwhile, Principal of GMC Baramulla, Dr. Ruby Reshi, acknowledged that there were administrative issues causing the delay in releasing the stipends, assuring that the matter would be resolved within a few days.
“Their demands are legitimate; we are actively addressing the issue, and their stipends will be disbursed within a short period. We have engaged in discussions with the doctors, and they are not proceeding with a strike,” she affirmed.
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