As many as 134 doctors undertaking MBBS internships at Government Medical College, Haldwani, will go on strike from Monday over a demand to increase their stipend. The interns are ed at Dr Susheela Tiwari Hospital (STH).
The doctors have submitted a notice to the principal of Government Medical College, seeking an increase in their monthly stipend from the current ₹17,000 to ₹30,000. They said the existing amount was too low and that their demand had remained unresolved for a long time.
The proposed strike could affect arrangements at STH, one of the key hospitals associated with the medical college. Outpatient department (OPD) and inpatient department (IPD) services may face a direct impact if the interns remain absent.
Patients visiting the hospital could therefore face difficulties, although the available information does not specify the extent or duration of any disruption.
Principal warns of action under rules
Government Medical College principal Dr Ajay Arya said internship is part of the MBBS programme. He stated that if the doctors went on strike, their absence would be recorded.
Dr Arya added that action would be taken according to the applicable rules. The statement does not indicate that any disciplinary action has already been initiated.
What the interns are demanding
The interns’ central demand is an increase in the stipend from ₹17,000 to ₹30,000. They decided to strike after saying that the demand had not been accepted for a long period.
Their notice to the principal formally communicates the proposed action and the reason behind it. The immediate effect on hospital services will depend on the interns’ participation and the college’s response.
Impact on patients
OPD services handle patients who visit for consultations, while IPD services involve admitted patients. Any reduction in the availability of interns could place additional pressure on hospital arrangements.
However, the information available does not provide details about alternative staffing plans, the number of affected departments or the expected duration of the strike.
Conclusion
The 134 interns are seeking a stipend increase from ₹17,000 to ₹30,000 and have announced a strike from Monday. The college has warned that absences will be recorded and dealt with under applicable rules, while OPD and IPD services may be affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many interns are involved in the strike?
A total of 134 doctors undertaking internships at Government Medical College, Haldwani, are involved.
Q. Where are the interns ed?
They are undertaking their internships at Dr Susheela Tiwari Hospital, also known as STH.
Q. What stipend are the interns currently receiving?
The current stipend is ₹17,000.
Q. What stipend are the interns demanding?
They are seeking an increase to ₹30,000.
Q. When will the strike begin?
The interns have decided to begin the strike from Monday.
Q. Did the interns inform the college about the strike?
Yes. They submitted a notice to the principal of Government Medical College.
Q. What has the principal said about the strike?
Principal Dr Ajay Arya said absence would be recorded if the interns went on strike. He added that action would follow according to applicable rules.
Q. Which hospital services could be affected?
The OPD and IPD services at STH could be affected by the interns’ absence.
