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Kerala Doctors' Protest: Why Medical Teachers Continue Their Stir Amid Apathy

Kerala's government medical college teachers are continuing their protest despite talks with the Health Minister. They're frustrated by the Finance Department's failure to address legitimate pay and arrears issues. The association says pay anomalies are driving away young doctors from joining medical colleges. Until they get written assurances, the agitation will persist across all medical colleges.

Key Points: Kerala Medical College Teachers Continue Strike Over Pay Issues

  • Pay scale anomalies affecting recruitment of young Assistant Professors
  • Pending arrears for doctors who worked during Nipah and COVID outbreaks
  • Inadequate teaching posts in new medical colleges despite recent sanctions
  • Finance Department's apathy blocking resolution despite Health Minister's support
2 min read

Kerala govt medical colleges teachers body to continue stir, cites Finance Department's 'apathy'

KGMCTA continues agitation over pay anomalies and pending arrears for COVID doctors. Health Minister's talks fail to provide written assurances on key demands.

"Until written assurances or orders are issued, our protest will continue - Dr Rosnara Begum and Dr C.S. Aravind"

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 11

The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers' Association (KGMCTA) on Tuesday announced that it would continue its ongoing agitation until the state government issues formal orders or written assurances addressing its key demands.

The decision follows inconclusive discussions with Health Minister Veena George.

The Association alleged that the Finance Department's failure to take a favourable stand on even legitimate issues was obstructing a settlement.

KGMCTA representatives, led by its state President Dr Rosnara Begum, met the Minister in the presence of top health officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Director of Medical Education, and Joint Director of Medical Education.

During the talks, the Association reiterated that anomalies in the pay scale of entry-level Assistant Professors had led to a decline in the number of young doctors joining medical colleges, affecting patient care and academic functioning.

The Minister said the file to correct the anomaly would be sent to the Finance Department with a favourable note, but stopped short of giving any assurance on its approval.

The KGMCTA also raised the issue of pending pay revision arrears for medical college doctors who worked round the clock during the Nipah and Covid-19 outbreaks.

"While all other government employees have received their arrears in full, doctors who risked their lives for the state's health system have been denied what is rightfully theirs," it said, calling the Finance Department's stand "grossly unfair".

The Association further demanded the creation of additional teaching posts in the newly established Kasaragod and Wayanad medical colleges, terming the recent sanction of 44 senior posts inadequate.

The Health Minister said more proposals would be sent to the Finance Department for consideration.

Concerns over the delay in finalising the Hospital Protection Act rules and anomalies in the pension ceiling were also discussed. The KGMCTA urged the Health Minister to convene a joint meeting chaired by the Finance Minister to resolve the issues.

"Until written assurances or orders are issued, our protest will continue," said Dr Rosnara Begum and Secretary Dr C.S. Aravind.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Kerala, I fully support the teachers' agitation. If young doctors aren't joining medical colleges due to pay issues, our entire healthcare system will suffer. The government must address this urgently.
M
Michael C
While I understand the doctors' frustration, continuous agitation might affect patient care. Both sides need to find a middle ground. The government should give written assurances to end this stalemate.
A
Ananya R
The Finance Department's apathy is shocking! How can they ignore legitimate demands of medical professionals? This affects not just doctors but the quality of medical education and healthcare in our state. Solidarity with KGMCTA! 💪
S
Sarah B
Creating new medical colleges without adequate teaching staff defeats the purpose. The 44 posts sanctioned for Kasaragod and Wayanad are clearly insufficient. The government needs to be more practical in its approach.
V
Vikram M
Health Minister Veena George should take a stronger stand. Sending files to Finance Department with "favourable note" isn't enough. She needs to ensure these demands are met. Our doctors deserve better treatment after their pandemic sacrifices. 🙏

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