OP time extended till 2 pm in Kerala govt hospitals; doctors raise objections

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Health and Family Welfare Department has extended the outpatient (OP) consultation hours for doctors in government hospitals, a move that has triggered protests from medical associations across the state.

Under the new order, specialist doctors in government hospitals will now attend outpatient services from 8 am to 2 pm, extending the previous closing time of 1 pm. The decision is part of a broader revision of duties intended to improve hospital functioning and manage the rising number of patients.

Health department issues new duty guidelines

The revised order defines the responsibilities of doctors across various cadres in the Health Services Department. These include positions such as Superintendent, Resident Medical Officer (RMO), Casualty Medical Officer, Assistant Surgeon, Chief Consultant, Junior Consultant, Consultant and Medical Officer.

As part of the updated guidelines, medical officers will also be required to reside within eight kilometres of the hospital on duty days to ensure quick availability in emergencies. The order states that hospital vehicles will be provided to facilitate travel when necessary.

The extension of OP timings applies to several categories of doctors, including casualty medical officers, assistant surgeons and specialists.

Doctors’ associations strongly oppose move

Doctors’ organisations have criticised the government’s decision, arguing that extending OP hours without increasing the number of doctors will significantly raise the workload on existing staff.

The Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) said the change was introduced through a general duties and responsibilities order instead of a separate directive, which it said reduced transparency in the decision-making process.

According to the association, the state government is attempting to address overcrowding in hospitals by extending doctors’ working hours rather than strengthening human resources.

Concerns over workload and quality of care

The KGMOA warned that longer working hours could lead to physical and emotional stress for doctors, many of whom already operate under heavy workloads and limited infrastructure.

The association said that increasing patient load without improving staff strength could affect the quality of healthcare services in government hospitals.

Doctors have demanded that the government ensure a proper doctor–patient ratio and introduce a cap on the number of patients seen by each doctor during OP hours.

Demand to withdraw order

The Kerala Government Specialist Doctors Association has also demanded that the order extending OP hours be withdrawn.

Medical groups have urged the government to create new posts and strengthen hospital staffing instead of extending work hours for existing doctors.

The KGMOA has warned that if the order is not withdrawn, doctors may launch statewide demonstrations and protests against the decision.