Medical college doctors across Kerala have launched a statewide strike today, limiting hospital services to emergency care alone, as they step up pressure on the government over long-pending service-related demands. Outpatient services have been suspended, and all non-emergency surgeries and routine medical procedures will not be carried out.
The protest is being organised demanding the immediate disbursal of pending salary revision arrears, correction of anomalies in the salary revision order, and revision of the pension ceiling in line with central government norms. Doctors allege that despite repeated assurances from the government, no concrete action has been taken for months.
As part of the agitation, a dharna and satyagraha will be held in front of the Secretariat today from 10 am. The protest is being led by the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association (KGMCTA), which said the agitation was forced due to continued government inaction on issues already acknowledged as genuine.
Warning of an intensified struggle ahead, the doctors announced a phased escalation of the protest. From February 2, they will begin an indefinite boycott of teaching duties along with outpatient services. From February 9, non-emergency surgeries will also be stopped indefinitely. From February 11, doctors will boycott university examination duties as well, the KGMCTA state committee said.
The escalating agitation is expected to have a major impact on healthcare delivery and medical education across government medical colleges in Kerala if the deadlock continues.
