Interns and non-service postgraduates of government medical colleges on Tuesday called off their strike for an increase in stipend after talks with the Health Minister and senior officials of the Health Department.
The students launched the strike on Monday after their earlier protest failed to evoke any response from the government. G. Suresh of Interns and Postgraduates’ Association of Tamil Nadu said the Minister and the officials assured them of an announcement during the discussion on the demands for the health budget scheduled in the Assembly for August 11.
The students demand a monthly stipend on a par with their counterparts in Kerala — Rs. 15,000 for interns, Rs. 32,000 (first year), Rs. 33,000 (second year), Rs. 34,000 (third year) for postgraduates; and Rs. 41,000, Rs. 42,000 and Rs. 43,000 for those pursuing super-specialty courses.
“We are also demanding a yearly revision of 10 per cent. If this demand is conceded, there will be no problem in future,” Mr. Suresh said.
If the sum fell short of their demand, they would protest again, the students said.
A postgraduate said it was tough with Rs. 17,400 to pay for hostel, books and registration to attend conferences. “Supporting our families is unthinkable,” he said.
