Dr P. Gopikumar, the newly elected President of Indian Medical Association (IMA) Kerala, has outlined an ambitious agenda centred on doctors' safety, the financial viability of small and medium hospitals, and the mental health of medical professionals. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram on 9 November 2026, Dr Gopikumar signalled a broad reform push that addresses both the welfare of doctors and the structural pressures facing grassroots healthcare institutions across the state.

Doctors' Safety and Mental Health at the Centre

Dr Gopikumar said the association would intensify efforts to prevent attacks on doctors and ensure safe working conditions — an issue that has gained national attention in recent years following a series of high-profile incidents at public hospitals. The new leadership will also focus on the mental health of medical professionals, acknowledging that rising workloads and chronic stress are taking a measurable toll on the profession.

Improving job opportunities, fair pay, and job security for young doctors is another stated priority. The association also plans to introduce structured professional mentoring to help early-career physicians navigate an increasingly competitive landscape.

Small and Medium Hospitals Under Strain

Dr Gopikumar drew attention to the mounting challenges facing small and medium hospitals, citing rising operating costs, staff shortages, and regulatory pressures as key threats to their viability. IMA Kerala will advocate for rational regulations and suitable reimbursement mechanisms to prevent further closures in this segment, which forms the backbone of primary and secondary care in many districts.

The association will also engage with the Clinical Establishments Act, pushing for its implementation to prioritise patient safety without placing a disproportionate administrative or financial burden on smaller facilities.

Inclusivity and Broader Participation

The new leadership intends to widen the association's membership base by encouraging greater participation from women doctors, general practitioners, medical teachers, and doctors working in rural areas — groups that have historically been underrepresented in organised medical bodies.

Public Health, Technology and Ethics

On the public health front, IMA Kerala will strengthen programmes covering preventive healthcare, lifestyle diseases, healthy ageing, mental health, and substance abuse. Suicide prevention and rehabilitation will also receive dedicated attention.

Dr Gopikumar said the association would promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies in medical practice, while keeping patient confidentiality, data security, and professional accountability as non-negotiable safeguards. Combating antimicrobial resistance through the rational use of antibiotics and strengthening infection control protocols will be another major thrust.

The new leadership also pledged to intensify its campaign against quackery, unscientific medical practices, and misleading health claims, while reviewing IMA Kerala's welfare schemes to better protect its members and their families. With a packed mandate spanning safety, regulation, technology, and public health, the direction of Dr Gopikumar's tenure will be closely watched by the broader medical community.