Jammu & Kashmir: The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Students Association (JKMSA) has approached Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo, seeking a comprehensive revision of stipends for postgraduate (PG) resident doctors and remuneration for Senior Residents working in government medical institutions across the Union Territory.
The association has raised concerns over disparities in the remuneration received by resident doctors at different government medical institutions in Jammu & Kashmir. It has called for a structured review of existing pay levels and parity with comparable State and Central Government medical institutions.
JKMSA Seeks Parity in PG Stipends
One of the key demands raised by JKMSA is that PG residents in Jammu & Kashmir should receive stipends at par with residents in other State and Central Government medical institutions.
The association has cited Regulation 5.4 of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER), 2023, in support of its demand. According to the regulation cited by the association, PG students should receive stipends at par with PG students of State or Central Government medical institutions in the concerned State or Union Territory.
JKMSA has therefore sought an assessment of stipend structures across institutions including Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, GMC Srinagar, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), AIIMS Jammu and other applicable government institutions.
Differences in Existing Remuneration
The association has highlighted differences in the remuneration received by residents at various institutions.
According to figures cited in its representation, PG residents at GMC Jammu receive approximately ₹64,000 during the first year, ₹68,000 during the second year and ₹72,000 during the third year. The remuneration cited for Senior Residents at the institution is around ₹94,000.
For comparison, the association cited higher remuneration at institutions such as SKIMS and AIIMS Jammu. At SKIMS, the PG stipend was cited at approximately ₹80,000 in the first year, ₹85,000 in the second year and ₹88,000–₹90,000 in the third year, while Senior Resident remuneration was cited at more than ₹1.30 lakh.
The association also referred to remuneration levels at AIIMS Jammu and GMC Chandigarh, where Senior Resident remuneration was cited at approximately ₹1.40 lakh or more and around ₹1.40–₹1.50 lakh or more, respectively.
JKMSA has requested the authorities to formally verify the figures against applicable government pay orders while reviewing the existing remuneration structure.
Resident Doctors Handle Extensive Clinical Responsibilities
In its representation, the association emphasized the extensive clinical responsibilities handled by PG residents and Senior Residents.
These responsibilities include 24×7 emergency and casualty duties, inpatient assessment and management, critical-care services, night and on-call duties, peri-operative and post-operative care, operation theatre responsibilities, labour-room duties, OPD services and specialty procedures.
Residents are also involved in interdepartmental referrals, clinical documentation, teaching and supervision of junior trainees.
JKMSA has argued that the level of responsibility undertaken by resident doctors should be appropriately reflected in their remuneration.
Demand for Regular Revision Mechanism
The association has also sought the establishment of a regular mechanism for revising PG stipends and resident remuneration.
According to the demands outlined by JKMSA, future revisions should take into consideration factors such as government pay revisions, inflation, cost of living, remuneration offered at comparable institutions and changes in the working environment.
The association has further emphasized that Senior Resident remuneration should be considered separately from PG resident stipends. Senior Residents are postgraduate-qualified doctors who undertake independent clinical, supervisory and teaching responsibilities.
Assessment Across Government Medical Institutions Sought
JKMSA has called for a comprehensive assessment of remuneration across government medical institutions in Jammu & Kashmir to identify and address existing disparities.
The association has urged the Health and Medical Education Department to examine the current stipend structures and take appropriate measures to bring them in line with applicable NMC regulations and government norms.
The representation to the Health Minister seeks a rational, comprehensive and time-bound review of the existing remuneration framework for PG residents and Senior Residents in the Union Territory.
Conclusion
The JKMSA's representation has brought renewed attention to differences in resident doctors' remuneration across government medical institutions in Jammu & Kashmir. Its demands center on parity in PG stipends, a separate and appropriate remuneration structure for Senior Residents, and a periodic mechanism for reviewing pay in accordance with applicable regulations and changing economic conditions.
The matter now rests with the concerned authorities for examination of the existing pay structures and the demands raised by the medical students' body.
