Cheruthoni: The students of Idukki Medical College have started an indefinite strike demanding basic facilities against the college authorities. 

The students protested by covering their eyes and mouths, demanding lecture halls, desks and equipment, labs, the completion of hostel construction, appointing lecturers, etc. They have said that the protest will continue until decisions are taken by the authorities. 

The students of the Medical College started an indefinite strike following the notice sent by the Medical Council of India seeking an explanation regarding the inadequacy of basic facilities. Three times, students protested for the same, but no action was taken. They had ended their lightning strike on February 22 after receiving assurance from Minister Roshy Augustine that all their demands, including the construction of the hostel, would be met within 45 days. But no action was taken, and they started an indefinite strike as the minister did not keep his word. 

Idukki Medical College, which lost its accreditation for lack of facilities, resumed its operations in 2022. Admissions were given to 100 students. In the year 2023, admissions were given to 100 new students too. 

Students of the new batch are struggling without a proper lecture hall to study in. About 100 students use the only available exam hall that has the capacity to hold 50 people. There are not even desks to write on. Since there are no separate halls for nursing students, the same hall is being shared. Girls are accommodated in boys' hostels. The boys stay in the Public Works Department quarters with up to six people in one room.

The students said that inconveniences will increase with the arrival of the new batch. Surgery is performed only once in a week. The students question the education system here. Many students have decided to drop out of college if the necessary facilities are not provided immediately.