FMGs remain unpaid during internships
Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Jan 3: Medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir continue to grapple with a meager monthly stipend of Rs 12,500, despite the formation of a committee nearly one and a half year ago to address the issue of “reasonable stipend enhancement.”
The Cabinet Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education, and Social Welfare in the Union Territory, Sakina Itoo, told Excelsior that the Government’s financial constraints are preventing the immediate resolution of the interns’ demands. “However, the issue is under the consideration of the Government as the demands of the students are genuine,” she said.
Despite the establishment of the committee by the Health and Medical Education (H&M) Department in June 2023, no progress has been made. The interns (MBBS/BDS) had hoped the committee’s recommendations would bring their stipends in line with those of their counterparts in other states. However, the prolonged delay has left them disillusioned.
“We work diligently, often putting in extra hours and performing every duty of a resident doctor, yet our compensation is lower than that of daily labourers,” a student from Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag said.
The committee, comprised of members from the Director of Finance, H&ME Department; Principals of Government Medical Colleges in Jammu and Srinagar; the Director (Coordination) of New Government Medical Colleges; and Principals of Dental Colleges in Jammu and Srinagar, submitted its report in April 2023.
It recommended a 50% increase in the stipend, raising it to Rs 26,350 based on the basic pay of a medical officer. “Despite the submission of the report, the matter has remained stalled with no progress for some unknown reason,” an official said.
Students at GMC Baramulla expressed frustration over the inaction. “We were hopeful that the committee’s recommendations would be implemented quickly, but the prolonged delay has plunged us into despair,” said a student. He added that they hoped the new Government would seriously look into the matter.
Meanwhile, Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) working in the region have also voiced their grievances over being denied any stipend. “This is against the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines and Supreme Court directives,” said one FMG.
“Despite putting in all the effort, we are not receiving a single penny, which is a grave injustice. We are treated like slaves despite spending enormous amounts on our education,” he added.
The medical students expressed hope after receiving assurances from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during a recent meeting. “He promised that our demands would be accommodated in the next budget,” said a student.
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