OP services to be hit as Kerala medical college doctors resume indefinite strike

Doctors at government medical colleges across Kerala will resume their indefinite strike from Monday (February 16), stepping up pressure on the state government over pending salary arrears, according to media reports.

The action, led by the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers' Association (KGMCTA), will involve a boycott of out-patient (OP) services and academic activities after the government failed to act on assurances to clear the dues.

The move is expected to cause significant disruption, particularly for patients from economically weaker sections who depend on public healthcare facilities. With faculty members withdrawing from OP services, new patients will have to rely on postgraduate doctors and house surgeons for consultations.

The doctors had earlier launched an OP boycott on 2 February. On the same day, representatives were invited for discussions with Additional Chief Secretaries for Finance and Health, K R Jyothilal and Rajan N Khobragade.

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During the meeting, the officials sought a week’s time to obtain legal advice before sanctioning the arrears. Office-bearers of the KGMCTA agreed to the request and immediately called off the strike.

However, a week later, the association said there had been neither a formal response nor any announcement regarding payment of the arrears. Citing the lack of progress, the KGMCTA announced that it would resume the indefinite agitation from Monday.