Will Kerala Govt Medical Colleges Teachers' Body Continue Its Stir Amid Finance Department's Apathy?
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Synopsis
The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers' Association (KGMCTA) is unwavering in its protest against the state government, demanding formal assurances regarding pay scale discrepancies and other key issues. With ongoing tensions and discussions yielding little progress, their determination highlights the urgent need for resolution in the healthcare education sector.
Key Takeaways
- KGMCTA continues its protest until demands are met.
- Discussions with the Health Minister yielded no formal assurances.
- Pay scale discrepancies are impacting recruitment of new doctors.
- Outstanding pay revision arrears for healthcare workers remain a concern.
- The call for more teaching positions in new medical colleges is imperative.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 11 (NationPress) The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association (KGMCTA) has declared that it will persist with its current protest until the state government provides official documents or written commitments that address their primary demands.
This decision comes after unproductive discussions with Health Minister Veena George.
The Association accused the Finance Department of showing indifference toward even justified issues, hindering a resolution.
KGMCTA representatives, headed by state President Dr. Rosnara Begum, met with the Minister alongside senior health officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary, Health, and the Director of Medical Education.
During the meeting, the Association emphasized that discrepancies in the pay scale for entry-level Assistant Professors have resulted in a decrease in the number of new doctors joining medical colleges, which is adversely affecting patient care and academic operations.
The Minister indicated that a proposal to rectify the discrepancy would be submitted to the Finance Department with a supportive recommendation but did not guarantee its approval.
Additionally, the KGMCTA highlighted the issue of outstanding pay revision arrears for medical college doctors who were on duty during the Nipah and Covid-19 crises.
"While all other government personnel have received their arrears in full, doctors who put their lives at risk for the state’s health system have been unjustly denied what is rightfully theirs," the Association stated, deeming the Finance Department’s stance as extremely unfair.
The Association further requested the establishment of more teaching positions at the recently founded Kasaragod and Wayanad medical colleges, calling the recent approval of 44 senior positions insufficient.
The Health Minister responded that additional proposals would be forwarded to the Finance Department for review.
Concerns regarding the delay in finalizing the Hospital Protection Act regulations and inconsistencies in the pension ceiling were also discussed. The KGMCTA urged the Health Minister to organize a joint meeting presided over by the Finance Minister to address these matters.
"Our protest will continue until formal assurances or directives are issued," stated Dr. Rosnara Begum and Secretary Dr. C.S. Aravind.
Point of View
I recognize the importance of the KGMCTA's concerns in the broader context of healthcare education. Their demands for fair compensation and recognition are not only valid but essential for maintaining quality education and patient care in Kerala. The continued unrest reflects deep-rooted issues that require immediate attention from the authorities.
NationPress
11/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the KGMCTA?
The KGMCTA is demanding formal orders regarding pay scale discrepancies and additional teaching posts in newly established medical colleges.
Why are the protests continuing?
The protests are ongoing due to the lack of formal assurances from the state government despite discussions with health officials.
What issues did the KGMCTA highlight during their discussions?
They raised concerns about pay scale anomalies, pending pay revision arrears, and the need for more teaching positions in new medical colleges.
