Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 29: With the demand for an increase in the stipend for MBBS interns still fresh, several medical colleges across J&K have written to the Health & Medical Education (H&ME) Department, recommending a monthly stipend for nursing and paramedical students.
The medical colleges-mostly newly established ones-that have recommended stipends for nursing students have stated that, as per Indian Nursing Council guidelines, internships are considered essential and must be accompanied by stipend payments.
The medical colleges-GMC Srinagar, GMC Baramulla, GMC Anantnag, GMC Rajouri, GMC Doda, and GMC Kathua-have recommended stipends for nursing and/or paramedical students, depending on the courses offered at each institution.
“It is further stated that B.Sc Nursing and Paramedical students of other states receive monthly stipend during their internship period and the stipend amounts vary depending on the institution and the type of program as is precedence at AIIMS and medical colleges of other states,” reads one such letter that has been written by the Principal, GMC Baramulla, which has 110 such students enrolled.
Most of these colleges have recommended a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 for both B.Sc Nursing and B.Sc Paramedical interns.
The recommendations submitted to the H&ME Department also highlight that such stipends are being paid to students across the country, whereas interns in J&K have not been provided the same benefit so far.
In a letter sent by GMC Rajouri, which has 60 students enrolled in B.Sc Paramedical courses, it has been stated that a significant number of students come from economically weaker sections of society and face financial hardships during the course of their studies.
“Given the financial challenges faced by the students during the internship period, it is recommended that a monthly stipend of Rs 6000 be granted to the B.Sc paramedical students,” the letter reads.
GMC Srinagar, in its recommendation, has stated that a representation submitted by B.Sc Nursing Students addressed to the Minister, Health and Medical Education Department was forwarded to the Principal for examination and comments including details of students enrolled therein.
“Based on the feedback from the concerned colleges, the following proposition is made for your kind perusal and further necessary action,” the letter reads.
GMC Srinagar has proposed Rs 6,000 stipend for B.Sc Nursing students for six months and Rs 5,000 for B.Sc Paramedical students.
The J&K Paramedical Students’ Association said, “We respectfully urge the concerned authorities to take prompt action on this recommendation for the welfare and upliftment of healthcare trainees across the Union Territory.”
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