Budgam, Sep 08 (KNS): People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader and
MLA Budgam Aga Muntazir Mehdi on Tuesday visited JVC Hospital and extended his support to the agitating MBBS and BDS interns, who are on an indefinite hunger strike pressing for their demands.
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) MLA Budgam asserted that the interns constitute a vital segment of the clinical workforce in Jammu and Kashmir's public health infrastructure. He emphasized that their services are instrumental in ensuring access to affordable patient care, especially for families who cannot afford treatment outside the region.
“The services rendered by our interns directly benefit ordinary patients. Their contribution strengthens access to patient care within our own healthcare institutions and reduces the need for vulnerable families to travel outside the region for medical treatment,” he said.
Aga Muntazir acknowledged the challenging nature of the internship period, citing long clinical hours and heavy patient loads. Expressing regret over the escalation of the issue, he criticized the government for failing to address the interns' grievances through dialogue.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe also raised serious concerns over reports of an intimidating approach being adopted by the medical college administration against the protesters.
“If young doctors raising legitimate concerns are being subjected to pressure instead of being heard, that is unacceptable. A responsive administration should facilitate dialogue, not create an atmosphere of fear,” he said.
The Budgam MLA offered a drastic solution to the impasse. “If the government is a financial burden, reduce our salaries and accommodate them,” Muntazir said, urging the administration to prioritize the interns' welfare over fiscal constraints.
Earlier, writing on the social media platform X, he stated, “I stand with the MBBS and BDS interns who have been forced to go on hunger strike.” He urged the government to engage in a structured, time-bound dialogue to bring the protest to a "dignified conclusion." (KNS)
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