The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA) has announced an indefinite strike, escalating their long-standing protest against the state government. The agitation will commence with a boycott of all teaching activities from January 13, followed by a withdrawal of non-emergency medical services from the subsequent week.
Why Are Medical Teachers Striking?
The decision for an indefinite strike comes after months of protests that began on July 1 last year. The association has expressed deep frustration over the government's failure to honor repeated assurances regarding a list of critical demands. Key unresolved issues include the rectification of anomalies in the pay revision order, disbursement of pending salary and dearness allowance arrears, and a stop to temporary and mass transfer policies. The teachers are also demanding the creation of adequate faculty posts and better facilities for both staff and patients.
Despite intensifying their agitation through measures like relay outpatient (OP) boycotts, the KGMCTA states that no remedial steps were taken by the authorities. A meeting convened by the health minister provided assurances, but the association claims no sincere efforts were made to implement their genuine demands.
Strike Plan and Exempted Services
The strike will unfold in phases. After the teaching boycott begins on January 13, the withdrawal of non-emergency medical services will start the following week. The association will also stage a secretariat dharna on January 19 to amplify their protest.
Importantly, the association has clarified that essential health services will remain functional during the strike to prevent a public health crisis. The excluded services include:
- Casualty and emergency departments
- Labour room and ICU operations
- All in-patient care
- Other emergency treatments and surgeries
- Post-mortem examinations
No Option But to Escalate
KGMCTA State President, Dr. Rosenara Beegum T., stated that the association has been left with no alternative but to intensify the agitation. She lamented the lack of constructive initiative from the government to resolve the issues amicably. "No constructive initiative has been taken by the govt to resolve the issues amicably," Dr. Beegum emphasized, highlighting the breakdown in dialogue.
The indefinite strike marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute, potentially disrupting medical education and elective healthcare services across government medical colleges in Kerala. The ball now lies in the government's court to initiate talks and present a concrete solution to address the teachers' long-pending grievances.
