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Kerala Govt Doctors' Strike Enters Day 5; PG Medicos Withdraw After Talks

The strike by government medical college doctors in Kerala has entered its fifth day, disrupting routine hospital services as they demand clearance of salary arrears and creation of new posts. Postgraduate medical students initially joined the protest but withdrew following decisive talks with health officials, who promised immediate action on stipend arrears and revised pay. The government has implemented a duty roster system to track attendance of striking doctors while maintaining that emergency care remains unaffected. With PG doctors now out of the protest, focus shifts to the unresolved demands of senior doctors and the government's next steps to address systemic issues.

Key Points: Kerala Doctors' Strike: PG Medicos Withdraw, Senior Doctors Continue

  • Strike over salary arrears & new posts
  • PG doctors withdraw after talks
  • Govt implements duty roster system
  • Emergency care continues uninterrupted
2 min read

Kerala govt doctors strike enters 5th day; PG medicos withdraw after talks

Kerala government doctors' strike disrupts services for 5th day over pay arrears & posts. PG doctors withdraw after talks, but senior doctors continue protest.

"The association has declared it will continue the strike until its demands are fully addressed. - KGMCTA"

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 20

The doctors' OP boycott at government medical colleges entered its fifth day on Friday, as the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers' Association continues to press for the settlement of long-pending demands.

The government has implemented a "duty roster system" to track attendance, with doctors required to report for both OP duties and operation theatre (OT)schedules.

Attendance of those participating in the strike will be recorded under this system.

The strike, called to demand the clearance of salary arrears, creation of new posts, and other service-related issues, has disrupted routine hospital services.

On Thursday, KGMCTA staged a sit-in protest in front of the Secretariat.

Despite the government maintaining a firm stance, the association has declared it will continue the strike until its demands are fully addressed.

Emergency surgeries are being conducted, but many previously scheduled operations have been postponed.

Initially, postgraduate (PG) students had announced a work stoppage in solidarity with senior doctors, though they later withdrew the decision.

Following decisive discussions with Health Department officials, the postgraduate doctors' organisation decided to withdraw from the strike.

The government assured that the key demands raised by doctors would be met.

The talks primarily focused on increasing stipends, clearing long-standing arrears, and implementing the revised rates immediately.

The department secretary confirmed that a formal order addressing stipend arrears and revised pay scales would be issued without delay.

Officials also assured that measures would be taken to reduce doctors' workload and that the hospital security arrangements would be strengthened.

The strike highlights the growing concerns among medical professionals regarding work conditions, compensation, and support structures in government hospitals.

While routine healthcare services have been impacted, emergency care continues uninterrupted.

Authorities have reiterated that the dialogue with doctors remains ongoing and that the government is committed to resolving long-pending issues, ensuring both staff welfare and uninterrupted patient care.

With PG doctors withdrawing from the protest, focus now shifts to the senior doctors' demands and the government's next steps to address systemic issues within state-run medical institutions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The duty roster system to track attendance during a strike? Seriously? Instead of such tactics, the government should address the core issues. Doctors are overworked and underpaid, especially in government setups. Their demands for salary arrears and new posts are completely valid.
A
Aman W
Good to see the PG medicos withdrew after talks. Strikes in the medical field should always be the last resort. At least emergency services are running. The government must keep its promise on stipends and arrears. Our future doctors need support.
R
Rekha R
This highlights a national problem, not just Kerala's. Government hospital doctors across India are stressed. Long hours, security risks, and delayed salaries. If we want quality public healthcare, we must invest in our healthcare workers. Full support to the doctors.
D
David E
While I understand the need to protest, I have to respectfully criticize the timing and method. A prolonged OP boycott hurts the most vulnerable. Could there not have been a phased protest or work-to-rule? Patient care cannot be a bargaining chip, even for just causes.
K
Karthik V
The fact that PG students initially joined shows how deep the frustration is. They are the backbone of hospital work. Hope the government's assurance on revised pay scales and security is not just "chai-pani" talk. We need concrete orders issued, as promised.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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