Doctors affiliated with the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) have expressed strong opposition to the state government’s recent decision to extend working hours at Community Health Centers (CHCs). The association argues that increasing duty hours without a commensurate rise in staffing or corresponding posts will overburden medical personnel and compromise healthcare delivery.
A Community Health Centre is a government-run outpatient facility intended to provide primary healthcare services to the rural and peri-urban population. CHCs are typically staffed by doctors, nurses, and other health workers and offer services such as basic clinical care, maternal and child health services, vaccinations, and treatment of common illnesses.
In India’s three-tier public health system, CHCs serve as referral centres for Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and often link patients to higher-level care as needed and help to reduce the overcrowding in District hospitals.
According to KGMOA representatives, the Kerala government has issued orders to extend the daily working hours of doctors and staff at CHCs beginning January 1, 2026 from 9 am to 6 pm. The current Outpatient clinic timings are from 9 am to 2 pm.
However, KGMOA has expressed concerns that this change was announced without adding new posts or increasing personnel strength, which they believe is necessary to sustain longer duty rosters without adversely affecting quality of care or physician well-being.
KGMOA leadership and members have outlined several concerns:
Manpower Shortages: CHCs often operate with limited doctors and support staff. Increasing working hours without increasing staffing may lead to fatigue and burnout among existing personnel.
Work-Life Balance: Prolonged duty hours can affect doctors’ ability to balance their professional responsibilities with personal and family commitments.
Service Quality: Doctors argue that extended hours without adequate rest or rotation could lead to reduced clinical efficiency and less effective patient care.
Implementation Timeline: The association has highlighted the short notice given before enforcement, pointing to the need for prior consultations with healthcare workers.
The KGMOA has formally requested the government to roll back the order until additional posts and resources are sanctioned to match the increased duty requirements.
(Rh/TL)
