04/09/2026
*BJP Health & Medical Cell Slams NC-Congress Government Over Continued Neglect of MBBS, BDS Interns
Khurshid Ahmad Naqati Demands Immediate Stipend Revision, Dialogue and Time-Bound Resolution*
SRINAGAR, September 4, 2026: BJP Health & Medical Cell J&K UT Co-Convenor Khurshid Ahmad Naqati has strongly condemned what he described as the prolonged apathy of the NC-led government and its Congress alliance partner towards the genuine and long-pending demands of MBBS and BDS medical interns across Jammu & Kashmir.
Naqati said it was deeply disturbing that young doctors, who constitute an important part of the healthcare delivery system and routinely shoulder demanding clinical responsibilities, have been compelled to protest simply to seek a revision in their stipend.
He said the interns are seeking an increase in their monthly stipend from the existing ₹12,300 to ₹30,000, noting that the present stipend has remained unchanged since 2019, despite the sharp increase in inflation, living expenses and the overall cost of professional education and training.
“Those Serving Patients Cannot Be Left to Struggle”
Naqati said medical interns work under extremely demanding conditions, undertaking night duties, emergency assignments, extended working hours and direct patient-care responsibilities in hospitals across the Union Territory.
“Medical interns are not outsiders to the healthcare system. They are an essential part of it. They work alongside senior doctors, attend to patients during emergencies and spend long hours in hospitals. It is therefore unjustifiable that their stipend should remain frozen for years while the cost of living continues to rise,” Naqati said.
He stressed that the demand for a stipend revision should not be viewed as a political issue but as a matter of fairness, dignity and recognition of the contribution made by young medical professionals.
Government Must Match Its Promises With Action
Taking aim at the NC-Congress government, Naqati said the administration must explain why its assurances to the people are not being translated into visible action on the ground.
He referred to the alliance’s various pre-election commitments, including promises concerning employment generation, free electricity, subsidised LPG cylinders and regularisation of daily wagers, and said the government must be held accountable for its delivery record.
“People do not elect governments merely to hear promises. They expect those promises to be implemented. When young doctors are compelled to protest for a reasonable and long-pending demand, the government cannot afford to remain a silent spectator,” he said.
Naqati Seeks Personal Intervention of Health Minister
Naqati also questioned the response of the J&K Health Department and urged Health Minister Ms. Sakina Itoo to intervene personally and bring the matter to a logical and immediate conclusion.
He called upon the government to:
- Open immediate and meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesting MBBS and BDS interns.
- Undertake an urgent review of the existing stipend and seriously consider the demand for enhancement to ₹30,000 per month.
- Set a clear deadline for a decision so that the issue does not remain trapped in administrative delays.
- Ensure that the legitimate concerns of medical interns are addressed with sensitivity and seriousness.
- Take all necessary steps to prevent the prolonged dispute from affecting hospital functioning and patient-care services.
Naqati said continued inaction would only increase frustration among young medical professionals and could have a demoralising effect on those preparing to build their careers in Jammu & Kashmir’s healthcare sector.
“Healthcare Workers Deserve Dignity, Not Empty Assurances”
Naqati reiterated that the BJP Health & Medical Cell stands firmly with the protesting medical interns and will continue to raise their concerns before the appropriate authorities.
“A government that claims to be committed to improving healthcare must first ensure that the people who keep its hospitals functioning are treated fairly. Our interns deserve dignity, a reasonable stipend and a government willing to listen. They should not have to protest repeatedly to make their voices heard,” Naqati said.
He urged the administration to rise above political considerations and take an immediate, compassionate and practical decision in the larger interest of the medical fraternity, patients and the healthcare system of Jammu & Kashmir.
The BJP Health & Medical Cell, he said, would continue to stand with healthcare professionals and work for a stronger, more accountable and people-centric healthcare system in the Union Territory.
Issued by:
BJP Health & Medical Cell
Jammu & Kashmir UT
