Srinagar, Feb 23, KNT: The All India Medical Students Association has extended support to paramedical staff protesting across Government Medical Colleges in Jammu and Kashmir over deduction of 2.5 days’ salary from incentives and a proposed move to place paramedical personnel under the ministerial cadre.
In a statement, AIMSA described the decisions as unjust and damaging to the morale of the healthcare workforce, stating that paramedical professionals form a critical pillar of hospital functioning, emergency response and patient care services.
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, President of the J and K unit of AIMSA, said that incentives are meant to acknowledge the demanding and high risk responsibilities carried out by healthcare workers. He termed the deduction arbitrary and said it sends a discouraging signal to frontline staff who sustain essential hospital services.
He also raised concerns over the proposed inclusion of paramedical personnel in the ministerial cadre, arguing that such a move could affect their technical identity, career progression and professional recognition. According to the association, any restructuring affecting service conditions must be preceded by detailed consultation with stakeholders.
AIMSA called upon the Health Department and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to immediately review the salary deduction and reconsider the cadre restructuring proposal. The association stressed that decisions impacting healthcare institutions should prioritise transparency, fairness and uninterrupted patient care.
Protests by paramedical staff have been reported across multiple Government Medical Colleges, with employees seeking protection of their service benefits and professional status. [KNT]
