Kerala Medical College Teachers Announce Escalated Protest Over Unpaid Arrears and Infrastructure Crisis
The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers' Association (KGMCTA) declared on Tuesday its decision to intensify ongoing protests, demanding the immediate release of pay revision arrears that have been long overdue. The association has issued a stern warning that it will commence an indefinite boycott of outpatient (OP) services and academic activities starting February 16 if the state government fails to address their grievances promptly.
Decades of Neglect and Unfulfilled Promises
In a strongly worded statement, KGMCTA representatives expressed profound disappointment over what they describe as systematic neglect of medical college doctors. "Medical college doctors have been completely sidelined despite the government's decision to provide full salary revision arrears to other government employees," the association stated. They highlighted multiple unresolved issues that have persisted for years:
- Failure to create necessary doctor positions despite increasing patient loads
- Delayed appointments that should have been made on a war footing
- Unjust pension ceilings that compromise retirement security
The association emphasized that these deficiencies directly impact both quality patient care and effective medical education, creating a crisis in Kerala's public health system.
Infrastructure Crisis in New Medical Colleges
The protest highlights severe infrastructure shortages plaguing newly established government medical colleges across Kerala. Institutions in Kasaragod, Wayanad, Konni, and Idukki face critical deficiencies that undermine their educational and healthcare missions.
"The newly established government medical colleges face severe shortages of basic infrastructure," the association revealed. Specific problems include:
- Inadequate accommodation facilities for both students and teaching staff
- Deficient laboratory spaces and departmental facilities
- Insufficient essential treatment systems in hospital sections
KGMCTA criticized the government's approach of operating these colleges through temporary transfers from other institutions rather than creating permanent positions and making substantive appointments. "This temporary approach severely compromises the quality of both medical education and patient care," the statement asserted.
Failed Negotiations and Broken Promises
The current escalation follows what the association describes as unfulfilled government assurances. During discussions on February 2, additional chief secretaries from both health and finance departments requested one week to seek legal advice regarding the salary revision arrears issue.
Based on this assurance, and considering potential patient difficulties, KGMCTA temporarily withdrew the OP boycott that had begun on February 2. However, the association now expresses frustration with continued government delays. "The government's continued postponement under the pretext of seeking legal advice has become unacceptable," their statement declared.
Following a central executive committee meeting held on Monday, KGMCTA unanimously resolved that all units across Kerala must intensify protest activities. The organization reiterated its concern for patient welfare while maintaining that government inaction leaves them no alternative.
Protest Strategy and Essential Service Protections
While announcing the escalated protest measures, KGMCTA clarified that essential medical services would remain unaffected. The association specifically excluded from protest programs:
- Casualty and emergency services
- Labour room operations
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) functions
- Inpatient treatment facilities
- Post-mortem examination services
Protest activities will continue at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College through sit-in demonstrations, non-cooperation movements, and relay hunger strikes. Despite these measures, the association expressed regret over potential public inconvenience beginning February 16.
A Fight for Public Health System Survival
KGMCTA leadership framed the protest as essential for preserving Kerala's public health infrastructure. Association President Dr. Rosenara Beegum and General Secretary Dr. Aravind C.S. jointly stated: "This protest is crucial for the survival of the public health system and the future of medical education in Kerala, given the ongoing lack of basic infrastructure and critical doctor shortages in medical colleges."
The association maintains that their demands address fundamental issues affecting healthcare delivery and medical education quality across the state, calling for immediate government intervention to resolve the escalating crisis.
