Srinagar, September 8 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference Youth President for Kashmir, Sufi Tahir, has urged the government to urgently intervene in the ongoing concerns of MBBS intern doctors, following reports of protests and a hunger strike by intern doctors at various Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) across Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sufi Tahir expressed concern over the situation and appealed to Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo to personally engage with the protesting intern doctors and address their demands through meaningful dialogue.
“It is unfortunate that one of the intern doctors, Dr Faisal of SKIMS JVC, has to go on hunger strike. Sakina Itoo ji should meet these doctors. They need a written assurance,” Tahir said.
He stressed that the matter should not be allowed to escalate further and called for immediate steps to address the grievances of the interns. He said that a written assurance from the government would help build confidence among the protesting doctors and demonstrate that their concerns were being taken seriously.
The Peoples Conference youth leader maintained that doctors and medical interns play an important role in the functioning of healthcare institutions, particularly in government hospitals where they contribute to patient care and other essential medical services.
Tahir also reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference would stand with the protesting doctors and support all genuine and peaceful efforts aimed at resolving their concerns.
He urged the authorities to adopt a constructive approach and establish direct communication with representatives of the intern doctors. According to him, timely intervention by the government could help prevent the situation from worsening and ensure that the grievances of the interns are resolved through dialogue rather than prolonged protests.
The call comes amid growing concern over the reported hunger strike by an MBBS intern doctor, with Tahir emphasising that the health and well-being of the protesting doctors should also be taken into consideration while the government examines their demands.
Tahir appealed to the concerned authorities to treat the issue as a priority and initiate a formal dialogue with the intern doctors at the earliest. He said that a clear roadmap and written commitment from the government would be important steps towards bringing the ongoing dispute to an amicable conclusion.( JKNS)
