Why are Kerala Medical College doctors calling for a total strike on November 13?
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Synopsis
Doctors in Kerala are preparing for a total strike on November 13, demanding urgent attention to pay disparities. This escalating conflict raises significant concerns about patient care across the state's medical colleges. Will the government respond to their demands before it's too late?
Key Takeaways
- Doctors in Kerala are set to strike on November 13.
- The strike aims to address pay anomalies affecting medical educators.
- Emergency services will remain operational during the strike.
- The ongoing conflict could impact patient care significantly.
- Dialogue between the government and the medical community is crucial for resolution.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 7 (NationPress) Medical professionals associated with the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers' Association (KGMCTA) have announced a total strike on November 13, halting all responsibilities except for emergency services.
Kerala is home to 12 public medical colleges, featuring a combined bed capacity of around 5,000.
The association asserted that this action was taken after the state administration ignored numerous requests for dialogue, despite weeks of peaceful demonstrations.
The KGMCTA accused the government of disregarding their legitimate concerns and adopting a dismissive and undemocratic stance towards the medical teaching fraternity.
"This behavior not only challenges the doctors but also the general populace who depend on government medical colleges for high-quality treatment," the association stated.
The KGMCTA emphasized that their protests were initially structured to minimize patient inconvenience.
However, with the government remaining silent, the association felt forced to escalate their actions to a withdrawal of outpatient (OP) services.
During a previous three-day OP boycott, patients referred from far-off areas for specialized care could only receive limited temporary treatment from postgraduate students.
The association claims that despite this clear indication of distress, the government did not engage in discussions or demonstrate any readiness to address the matter.
They warned that any public inconvenience caused during the strike would be the government's responsibility.
The primary demand of the KGMCTA is to rectify pay disparities in entry-level roles within government medical colleges.
The association noted that these inconsistencies have lingered for years, damaging morale and expanding the wage gap between medical educators and their counterparts in other government sectors.
This strike call signifies a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the government and the medical college faculty, raising concerns about the potential repercussions on patient care in the state's teaching hospitals.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the KGMCTA's grievances while highlighting the importance of dialogue between the medical community and the government. Such strikes not only affect healthcare professionals but also the citizens relying on these institutions for essential services. A balanced resolution is crucial to ensure that patient care remains uncompromised.
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the strike?
The KGMCTA is striking due to the government's failure to address ongoing pay anomalies and their grievances despite repeated requests for dialogue.
What services will be impacted during the strike?
All services will be withdrawn except for emergency services during the strike on November 13.
How many medical colleges are there in Kerala?
There are 12 state-run medical colleges in Kerala, providing a total bed strength of about 5,000.
What are the main demands of the KGMCTA?
The primary demand is the correction of pay disparities in entry-level roles within government medical colleges.
What has been the government's response to the protests?
The KGMCTA has expressed frustration over the government's silence and lack of willingness to engage in discussions regarding their concerns.
