Faculty doctors at government medical colleges across Kerala have begun an indefinite strike demanding clearance of pending salary arrears. The protest follows an earlier strike held on February 2, which was temporarily withdrawn after discussions with the state Health Minister.
Doctors have now resumed the agitation, stating that no further concrete steps were taken by the government after the initial assurance of action.
Medical college faculty had previously gone on strike on February 2, seeking payment of salary arrears and resolution of financial discrepancies. Following negotiations with Kerala’s Health Minister, the strike was called off after assurances were reportedly given that the matter would be addressed.
However, faculty representatives state that no substantive progress has been made since those talks. Citing a lack of follow-up measures from the government, doctors announced the resumption of protest in the form of an indefinite strike beginning February 16.
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Reports indicate that the strike primarily involves faculty members of government medical colleges. Emergency services are expected to remain operational to prevent disruption of critical care, though routine outpatient services and elective procedures may be affected.
Medical colleges in Kerala serve as major tertiary referral centers, handling:
Specialized surgeries
Postgraduate medical training
Super-specialty consultations
Public health program implementation
Any prolonged disruption could impact both patient care and academic activities.
Government medical colleges in Kerala form the backbone of the state’s public healthcare system. Faculty doctors are responsible not only for patient care but also for:
Teaching undergraduate (MBBS) students
Training postgraduate residents
Supervising clinical research
Managing specialty departments
While emergency services are generally maintained during medical strikes in India, reduced staffing in outpatient departments (OPDs) can lead to delays in consultations, follow-up care, and elective procedures.
Kerala’s public health infrastructure is widely regarded for high patient volumes and strong public reliance on government institutions. Disruptions in tertiary hospitals may increase patient load in district hospitals and private facilities.
The primary demand raised by the Kerala medical college faculty concerns pending salary arrears. According to reports, doctors allege delays in payment of dues and discrepancies in revised salary structures.
Following the February 2 strike, the Health Minister had reportedly assured intervention and resolution. However, faculty associations claim that no tangible administrative action has followed.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding a fresh round of talks between the government and faculty representatives.
Salary disputes among government healthcare workers are not uncommon in India. Faculty doctors often balance dual responsibilities of patient care and academic duties, making prolonged industrial action a matter of concern for healthcare continuity.
(Rh)