PG doctors' strike called off after CM's office intervenes

Thiruvananthapuram: After week of uncertainties, the Chief Minister's office intervened to end the strike that has been going on for 16 days by the PG doctors in the state. 

Earlier, the strike was called off partially after health minister Veena George held talks with the doctors on Wednesday. Following this, the PG doctors returned to work in the casualty department and labour room. However, the boycott continued due to uncertainty over other demands including excessive work hours in the OPs and the wards.  

Following this, the association submitted a petition to the Chief Minister on Thursday requesting his intervention. Later, Private Secretary to the Chief Minister KK Ragesh held a meeting between the association members. 

In addition to the junior residents who were appointed recently, those who have completed the course this year will be instructed to stay until the arrival of the next batch. Further, the Central Government will also be pressured for first-year batch admission.

The association members said that they were given assurance that their demand for stipend hike would be considered.  

During a meeting held on Wednesday, the health minister had promised to appoint a committee to look into the matters concerning overtime and work pressure faced by the doctors. The committee will be constituted within a month based on a request from association representatives.

Meantime, a  strike held by the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) in front of the Kerala secretariat demanding a revision in the pay scale has entered its tenth day on Friday.