Only Health Dept can take call on protesting MBBS interns; JK CM

𝑺𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑮𝑨𝑹, 𝑺𝒆𝒑𝒕 7:

Amid the ongoing protest by MBBS interns demanding a hike in their monthly stipend, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the matter rests with the Health Department and that no other department can take a decision on it.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Omar said he wanted the issue resolved at the earliest, stressing that the continued protest was “not in anyone’s interest.”

The Chief Minister expressed concern that the ongoing agitation could affect the interns’ work and internship, and called for an early resolution.

Putting the onus on the Health Department, Omar said the Government could take a decision only after the department concerned initiated action.

“No other department can do anything,” he said.

Omar said Health Minister Sakina Itoo had already spoken with the concerned persons and, to the best of his knowledge, an assurance had been given.

“As far as I know, she has been given an assurance. But you should ask Sakina about what action will be taken in the future,” Omar said.

MBBS interns across Jammu and Kashmir have been protesting for the past several days over their demand for a hike in the monthly stipend. The interns also began a hunger strike on Monday, escalating their agitation.

With the protest now intensifying, the focus has shifted to the Health Department, which Omar said is the authority that must act on the issue.