‘Peaceful protest for stipend hike not misconduct; withdraw notices, ensure dignified working conditions’
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Students Association (JKMSA), the official medical wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, has called upon Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda to intervene in a matter concerning disciplinary action taken against MBBS interns and junior doctors at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag. The association expressed deep concern and strongly condemned reports that interns who peacefully protested for a stipend increase were summoned and issued disciplinary notices.
In a statement issued here, JKMSA President Dr. Wasim Khan described the situation as deeply troubling. He highlighted that young medical professionals, who tirelessly serve patients and operate under significant academic, physical, and psychological pressures, are being subjected to intimidation simply for raising legitimate concerns about inadequate stipends, excessive workloads, long duty hours, and difficult working conditions.
Dr. Khan said that interns, postgraduate residents, and junior doctors are vital to the healthcare system, often working beyond their prescribed hours under demanding circumstances. He stated that advocating for fair pay, humane working conditions, and professional dignity is a constitutional right and should not be treated as misconduct. The association pointed out that the interns had made a peaceful video to highlight their demands, and such expression should not invite punitive measures.
Instead of punitive action, JKMSA advocates for constructive dialogue and empathetic engagement to address grievances. The association questioned how peacefully demanding a stipend hike could be considered a violation of institutional norms, asking whether the students disrespected anyone or broke any laws. They warned that targeting students and young doctors for peaceful protests fosters an atmosphere of fear and suppression in educational and medical institutions.
The association stressed that a robust healthcare system depends on a motivated, respected, and adequately supported medical workforce. Suppressing genuine grievances through notices and intimidation only demoralizes future healthcare professionals and discourages open discussion of systemic issues.
JKMSA urged the GMC Anantnag administration and the Jammu & Kashmir government to withdraw any notices or summons issued to the protesting students and to refrain from taking punitive action against interns or junior doctors voicing their concerns.
Seeking the intervention of Union Health Minister Nadda, the association appealed to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to review the matter and ensure justice. They called for a fair and peaceful resolution to the issue, emphasizing the need to address the long-pending demand for stipend hikes and to ensure dignified working conditions for medical interns and young doctors in Jammu & Kashmir, on par with other parts of the country.