Kerala Govt Doctors Strike Day 5: PG Medicos Step Back After Talks

Government doctors in Kerala are continuing their strike, now on its fifth day, mainly over salary arrears, new post creation, and service issues. The OP boycott at state medical colleges remains in place. However, postgraduate medicos have withdrawn after holding talks with the Health Department. Emergency services are running, but routine care has taken a hit.

The protest is being led by the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association. They say several demands have been pending for long. According to them, promises were made earlier too, yet little moved on ground.

What the Strike Is About

The core issues are simple but serious. Doctors want clearance of long-standing salary arrears. They are also asking for new posts to reduce pressure. Many feel overworked, stretched thin in busy government hospitals.

The state government has introduced a duty roster system. Attendance is being recorded for doctors assigned OP and operation theatre duties. Those participating in the boycott are marked under this system. It has added more tension, some say quietly.

On Thursday, members of the association staged a sit-in protest in front of the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. The message was clear. Resolve the issues fully, not partially.

PG Medicos Step Back After Talks

At first, postgraduate doctors had joined in solidarity. Their support gave the protest more weight. But after discussions with officials from the Health Department, they decided to withdraw the work stoppage.

Talks focused on increasing stipends, clearing arrears, and implementing revised rates without delay. Officials assured that a formal order on stipend arrears and updated pay scales would be issued soon. That assurance seems to have convinced the PG doctors.

The department also promised steps to reduce workload and improve hospital security. These points mattered. Young doctors often face long hours and difficult working conditions.

Impact on Patients and Hospitals

Routine hospital services have been disrupted across government medical colleges. Many scheduled surgeries were postponed. OP consultations are affected in several institutions.

Emergency surgeries, however, continue without interruption. Critical care units remain operational. The government says patient safety is not compromised, though some families have complained about delays.

The strike highlights larger cracks in the system. Public hospitals in Kerala handle huge patient loads daily. When doctors protest, the impact shows fast.

Government’s Stand and What Next

The government has maintained a firm position publicly, but it continues dialogue behind closed doors. Officials insist they are committed to resolving the concerns. They also say staff welfare and uninterrupted patient care must go hand in hand.

With PG medicos stepping back, attention now shifts fully to senior doctors and their association. Whether the OP boycott continues depends on how quickly written orders are issued and implemented.

The coming days are crucial. If assurances turn into action, the strike may end soon. If not, services could remain affected longer.

For now, Kerala watches closely. Doctors want dignity and fair compensation. Patients want smooth care. Somewhere between those two, a solution needs to be found. And it probably will, but maybe not overnight.