Ahmedabad: Work at the Government Dental College on the Civil Hospital campus in Asarwa was severely affected after intern doctors went on strike two days ago, protesting the lack of hostel accommodation. The protest created a situation where routine academic and hospital activities came to a halt.Students pursuing dental studies are required to complete a four-year academic programme followed by a year-long internship. According to existing rules, hostel facilities are not provided to students during their internship period. Based on this regulation, the college administration recently instructed intern doctors who were staying in the hostel to vacate their rooms.The students launched a strike demanding that hostel accommodation be provided during their internship. As a result, intern doctors stopped performing their internship duties two days ago.Sources said that the students are protesting because they believe accommodation should be provided during the internship period. The strike raised concerns within the college administration, as the absence of interns could affect daily operations.College authorities, however, maintained that the decision is in line with existing rules. Officials stated that once students complete their four years of academic study, they are required to vacate the hostel so that rooms can be allocated to newly admitted students, especially due to limited hostel capacity.Regarding the issue of stipend payments, authorities clarified that interns start receiving their stipend only after their internship officially begins. They also said that no student’s stipend or scholarship has been withheld.The administration added that discussions are currently underway with the students to resolve the issue and persuade them to resume their internship duties as soon as possible.
